After a 14-month investigation, York Regional Police (YRP) have successfully dismantled a sophisticated criminal network, seizing approximately $2.5 million worth of drugs, cash, luxury vehicles, and firearms. The operation, dubbed “Project Lookout,” targeted a street gang involved in trafficking firearms and narcotics across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
In a press conference held at York Regional Police Headquarters, Deputy Chief of Investigations Alvaro Almeida and Inspector Richard Gaudet of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau detailed the extensive efforts and successful outcomes of this collaborative operation.
Initiated in April 2023, Project Lookout was a joint forces operation that brought together the expertise and resources of multiple law enforcement agencies, including Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, and other local police units.
“Each agency contributed specialized personnel and equipment, leveraging their unique training and experience,” Almeida explained. “By collaborating across jurisdictional lines, we collectively made a significant impact on gun and illegal drug trafficking across our regions and the province.”
Over the course of the investigation, officers focused on members and associates of the Haywan Gang, a street gang originally from Toronto that had extended its operations into York Region.
On June 5, 2024, the culmination of this investigation saw over 200 officers executing 33 coordinated search warrants across the GTA. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals who now face a combined total of 295 criminal charges.
The operation led to the seizure of:
- 18 firearms, including two Draco AK-47-style pistols, which are prohibited in Canada. Many of the firearms had their serial numbers removed, complicating their traceability. Of the firearms seized, 12 were traced, with 11 confirmed to have been smuggled from the United States.
- 19.8 kg of cocaine, analyzed to be between 89% and 97% pure, indicating a direct link to high-level cocaine importers.
- 4.8 kg of cannabis, along with quantities of MDMA, Xanax, and Oxycodone pills.
- $245,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
- $255,000 worth of luxury vehicles and high-end watches.
Deputy Chief Almeida emphasized the significance of these seizures in enhancing community safety. “The firearms and drugs seized during this investigation were destined for street-level dealers and could have fueled further violence and criminal activity in our communities,” he said. “By removing these items from circulation, we are undoubtedly saving lives and making our streets safer.”
Inspector Gaudet highlighted the professionalism and dedication of all officers involved. “The arrests and seizures made during Project Lookout will save lives and make a significant impact in our community,” he stated. “These dangerous substances and firearms, once diluted and distributed, would have perpetuated a cycle of violence and addiction.”
“Members of our community deserve to feel safe,” Inspector Gaude concluded. “York Regional Police and our partners recognize the devastating impacts that guns, gangs, and drugs have on our society. We remain committed to identifying and dismantling criminal networks that pose such threats.”
The investigation continues as police work to ensure all members of the Haywan Gang and their associates are brought to justice. York Regional Police encourage anyone with information related to illegal firearms or drug activities to come forward and assist in making York Region a safer place for all residents.