The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested four suspects following an investigation into a drug trafficking network.
On Monday, March 25th, officers concluded their four-month investigation dubbed Project Fade. Fade commenced after identifying a resident of Milton that was involved in the distribution of cocaine. Investigation into this suspect revealed a drug trafficking network involving three other parties that operated in the Halton Region and surrounding areas.
“Organized crime groups generate substantial profits from the distribution and sale of illicit drugs,” says Detetctive Sergeant Barrett Gabriel Regional Drugs and Organized Crime Unit. “This is their sole focus. They do not concern themselves with the violence and devastation they bring to our communities.”
Between March 24th and 25th, six Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants were executed at residential locations in Oakville, Milton, Mississauga and Guelph. As a result, the following items were located and seized:
- Approximately 20 kilograms of Cocaine
- One ounce of MDMA
- Over 500 prescription pills including Oxycodone and Clonazepam
- ¼ ounce of Methamphetamine
- Roughly $350,000 in bundled Canadian currency.
“The drugs seized in this investigation have an estimated street value exceeding 1.6 million dollars,” says Superintendent Dave Costantini Halton Regional Police Service. “When we consider the fact that in 2024, our officers have responded to 136 drug poisoning events, 9 of which resulted in a fatality, this is a significant interdiction which will ultimately save many lives.”
As a result of the investigation, the following parties were charged:
- Sami Karnaz of Milton
- Two counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
- Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000
- Gurdeep Bagri of Guelph
- Two counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
- Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000
- Fadey Tannus of Mississauga
- Five counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine, MDMA, Crystal Methamphetamine, Oxycodone and Clonazepam)
- Phillip Chung of Mississauga
- One count of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
Regarding drugs and overdoses, the HRPS released the following message:
A drug poisoning is a medical emergency. Know the signs of a drug poisoning and call 9-1-1 right away:
- difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
- blue lips or nails
- very small pupils
- cold and clammy skin
- dizziness and confusion
- extreme drowsiness
- choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- slow, weak, or no breathing
- inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
Don’t Run. Call 9-1-1.
Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) frontline officers, and other first responders in Halton, carry naloxone and we want to assist. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during a drug poisoning, including the person experiencing the poisoning. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.