Hamilton Police recently executed search warrants at six Hamilton mountain properties, where police seized more than three million in drugs and cash, along with 35 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition as part of a three-month intelligence-led investigation into drug trafficking and gun violence.

Over the course of Project Munro, 24 search warrants were executed and 16 people charged with 213 offences.

Hamilton Police continue to relentlessly pursue offenders who are engaged in violence, drug activity and firearms in our community. Nearly 35 per cent of the firearms seized were found either loaded or unsafely stored. Several firearms had also been modified in order to enhance performance. Three heavily plated high-calibre bullet proof vests were also seized.

As a result of the investigation, police seized:

• 35 firearms
• Four prohibited devices (extended magazines)
• 75 Kg of processed Cannabis (Approximate value of one million dollars)
• 2500 Cannabis plants (Approximate value of two million dollars)
• Thousands of rounds of ammunition
• $175,000 in currency (approximately)
• $20,000 worth in illicit drugs
• Multiple kilograms of suspected cutting agent

The drugs seized in this investigation have an estimated street-value of more than $3 million dollars.

Some of the 213 criminal charges include:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
• Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling
• Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
• Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000
• Possession of Prohibited Weapon/Device
• Cultivate, Propagate, or Harvest - Cannabis Act 12(6)(a)
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Cocaine
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Careless Storage of a Firearm
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

Hamilton Police continue to conduct investigations with a collective goal of enhancing public safety within Hamilton. The negative impact of criminal networks and their activities know no borders and impact the safety of everyone in our community.

Even though cannabis and related products are now legal, illicit grow operations remain a valid concern as they pose safety risks to the community. For example, modifications like tampering with electrical wiring, installing irrigation devices, industrial exhaust fans, and bypassing utility meters can result in fires or explosions.

Over the past year, police in Ontario have seized tens of millions of dollars’ worth of plants and products from large-scale illicit cannabis grow ops and production sites across the province. These investigations enforce cannabis laws and investigate organized crime who exploit the current legal medical cannabis regulations for their own criminal purpose. Proceeds from illicit cannabis sales are used by criminal organizations to purchase weapons and other drugs.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-laws

Hamilton Police want to recognize and thank members of the Halton Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, City of Hamilton Municipal Law Enforcement and property Standards Division, the Office of the Fire Marshall and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority for their assistance in this investigation. Crime knows no borders and we continue to work in partnership with our community partners.

The investigation remains ongoing therefore further details will not be shared.

If you have any information about gun violence or any crime within our city please call Hamilton Police 905-546-4925. To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.