A nearly year-long investigation led by the Toronto Police Service has culminated in the arrest of 32 individuals and the laying of 158 criminal charges. Dubbed “Project Fox,” the operation targeted a well-established Toronto street gang known for its involvement in firearms and drug trafficking across multiple provinces.
The investigation, which began in September 2023, was a collaborative effort involving the York Regional Police, Peel Regional Police Service, and the Ontario Provincial Police, among others. Deputy Chief Robert Johnson, speaking at a press conference this morning, emphasized the significance of the operation and its impact on public safety.
Project Fox was initiated with funding from the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario, aiming to disrupt the Jamestown Crips, a long-standing gang operating primarily in Toronto’s Rexdale neighborhood. The gang, which has been linked to various violent crimes, including shootings and robberies, has extended its criminal activities far beyond the city’s borders.
“The Jamestown Crips have been a persistent threat to public safety, not only in Toronto but across Ontario, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador,” Deputy Chief Johnson stated. “Their involvement in the illegal possession of firearms and the trafficking of illicit drugs has endangered countless lives and destabilized communities.”
Over the course of 11 months, officers from Toronto Police Service’s Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, executed 35 search warrants across various cities, including Toronto, Hamilton, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga, and Thompson, Manitoba. These coordinated efforts led to the arrest of 32 suspects and the laying of 158 charges, including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited device, and trafficking conspiracy.
Inspector Paul Krawczyk, Chief of Police from the Integrated Guns and Gangs Task Force, highlighted the operation’s success in seizing nine firearms, 4.7 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $568,000, six kilograms of methamphetamine valued at approximately $480,000, and more than $320,000 in cash and proceeds of crime.
“Gangs operate with total disregard for the safety and well-being of others,” Inspector Krawczyk said. “Their criminal activities endanger innocent lives and destabilize communities. This operation has removed dangerous elements from our streets, and we are committed to continuing this fight.”
The investigation revealed that the Jamestown Crips’ criminal network extended beyond Toronto, reaching as far as St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The gang utilized Canada Post to distribute drugs across provinces, concealing their illegal activities within regular packages. While no firearms were found to have been trafficked via mail during this particular investigation, the possibility of such activity was not ruled out.
“Canada Post is just one of the many methods criminals use to traffic drugs,” Inspector Krawczyk explained. “Our investigation was able to intercept packages before they reached their intended destinations, preventing further harm to communities.”
Despite the significant arrests and seizures, the fight against organized crime is far from over. The Jamestown Crips, like many other gangs, have deep roots and extensive networks that are not easily dismantled. The Toronto Police Service, along with its provincial and federal partners, continues to focus on disrupting these criminal organizations.
“The success of this operation underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation,” Deputy Chief Johnson noted. “We will continue to work diligently, leveraging all available resources and partnerships, to ensure the safety of our communities.”
When asked about the broader impact of Project Fox, Inspector Krawczyk acknowledged the difficulty in completely eradicating gang influence. However, he emphasized that removing firearms and drugs from the streets is a crucial step in protecting public safety.
“One gun can be used in dozens of shootings, claiming innocent lives,” Krawczyk said. “Every time we disrupt a gang’s activities, we make our communities safer.”
The arrests include a wide range of individuals, one of whom is a 16-year-old youth, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The charges laid reflect the serious nature of the crimes committed and the broad scope of the gang’s operations.
The investigation has sparked discussions on the need for stronger border controls and federal assistance in curbing the flow of illegal firearms into Canada. While the Toronto Police Service has received cooperation from provincial and federal partners, there is an ongoing call for more robust measures to prevent the entry of weapons that fuel gang violence.
Project Fox represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against organized crime in Toronto and beyond. While the Jamestown Crips remain a formidable force, the efforts of the Toronto Police Service and its partners have dealt a substantial blow to their operations. As law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate and adapt to the evolving tactics of criminal organizations, the public can be assured that the fight for safer communities remains a top priority.
Toronto Police are encouraging anyone with information on gang-related activities to come forward, as community involvement is crucial in the fight against crime.