Hamilton Police Service along with the Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Toronto Police Service and several other law enforcement agencies have dismantled a significant producer of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs in the Greater Hamilton and Toronto Area (GTHA).

Project Odeon began after police discovered a clandestine laboratory during an overdose death investigation in November 2021 at a residence on Hamilton’s Mountain. Investigators subsequently suspected a link between this death, an earlier overdose resulting in hospitalization and a death at a Toronto condominium. These all occurred within days of each other.

Opioid addiction has resulted in significant and far-reaching impacts on Hamilton. Like many other communities across the GTHA, Hamilton has been grappling with the devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic and declared a state of emergency in April 2023 related to homelessness, opioid addiction and mental health.

“As police, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of opioids. These substances have not only led to a surge in addictions and overdoses but have also strained our resources as we respond to calls for service. Through Project Odeon, we have made a significant dent in the production of opioids and we believe this will have an impact on public safety in our community,” says Superintendent Marty Schulenberg.

From January 1 to July 30, 2023, there have been 606 incidents related to suspected opioid overdoses and 89-suspected drug-related deaths in Hamilton. These numbers have been steadily rising over the past five years.

“We are encouraged by the outcome of many long hours of investigatory work and thank our law enforcement partners for their continued commitment to reducing the production and distribution of drugs in Hamilton. Ultimately, the seizure of these opioids contributes to reducing the harms associated with opioid use for those who use substances, their family and friends, and the broader community,” says Julie Prieto, Director, Hamilton Public Health Services Epidemiology and Wellness Division.

By tracing the origins of some of the lab equipment, investigators were able to identify a company in the United States. This business sold three items of laboratory equipment to an Oshawa-based company. From here, investigators were able to piece together an extended drug network.

Warrants were executed in Hamilton, Mount Albert, Smithville, Toronto, Whitchurch-Stouffville, and Vaughan.

In total, investigators seized the following items:

• An operational fentanyl drug lab at 6800 Sixteen Road, Smithville.
• A dismantled fentanyl drug lab at 4057 Bethesda Road, Stouffville.
• Approximately 3.5 tons of chemical byproduct from fentanyl production.
• 800 gallons of chemicals commonly used in the production of fentanyl
• Lab equipment commonly used in the production of fentanyl
• 64.1 kg of illicit drugs, including 25.6 kg of fentanyl, 18 kg methamphetamine, 6 kg of ketamine
• A loaded, Glock firearm and ammunition and four extended magazines
• Over $350,000 of seized proceeds, including cars, jewelry, furniture and cash

The following 12 individuals have been charged through Project Odeon. To date, there are 48 criminal charges. Charges include possession for the purpose of trafficking, production of substance, proceeds of crime, firearm possession and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

• Ly Duy Luan Do, 33-year-old from Hamilton
• Charanpal Gill, 28-year-old from Stoney Creek
• Jasanpal Gill, 22-year-old from Stoney Creek
• Shkelqim Ibishi, 30-year-old from Hamilton,
• Cindy Ly, 31-year-old  physician from Toronto
• Elizabeth Milne, 33-year-old from Welland
• Garry Moore, 45-year-old  from Smithville
• Amanpreet Shergill, 30-year-old from Smithville
• Ghais Sultani, 32-year-old from Hamilton
• Akela Sultani, 59-year-old from Hamilton
• Fais Sultani, 20-year-old  from Hamilton
• Weeda Sultani, 19-year-old from Hamilton

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is aware of the charges to Cindy Ly. There is also a Canada-wide warrant for 34-year-old Kien Trung Hoang from Toronto.

“Dismantling a clan lab requires up to 50 personnel from police, fire, EMS, the Ontario Fire Marshall and Health Canada. Through Project ODEON, we were able to assist the Hamilton Police Service in safely dismantling not one, but two, clandestine labs. This investigation has had a significant impact on reducing harms and improving public safety,” said Ontario Provincial Police Detective Superintendent Paula Milne.

Crime knows no borders. Law enforcement agencies continue to work cooperatively to share information to combat illegal activity and create safer communities. Thank you to the Canadian Border Services Agency, Canadian Intelligence Service Ontario, Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), Guelph Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC), Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police Service for supporting Project Odeon.   

If you have any information that you believe could assist police with the investigation into these crimes, please contact Detective Eric Hrab at 905-546-6340.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com