23 charged across GTA in fentantyl, firearms trafficking case

York Regional Police have charged 23 individuals in connection with Project Chatter, a sweeping investigation targeting the trafficking of fentanyl and illegal firearms across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Police shared the results of the investigation on Wednesday, indicating that the months-long operation uncovered a network of alleged criminal activity involving deadly drugs and dangerous weapons, prompting what police say is one of their most significant enforcement actions to date.

As part of the investigation, officers executed 15 search warrants across multiple locations — including Richmond Hill, Toronto, Ajax, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Niagara Falls — all connected to the alleged criminal network.

The coordinated raids led to the arrest of 23 individuals, who now face more than 300 charges related to drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, and organized crime.

Investigators recovered 32 illegal firearms and a large quantity of drugs, including over 700,000 doses of fentanyl with a street value of over $7 million. More than $130,000 in Canadian currency was seized, along with $18,000 USD.