(Ottawa) A joint forces police operation has resulted in charges laid against nine individuals, the seizure of 24.5kilograms of cocaine and the dismantling of an Ottawa-based drug trafficking network. The two year project included the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
“This Ottawa based network, led by Hisham “Terry†Alkhalil, was identified as a priority by our police service. There were clear issues related to public safety concerns and gang related violence both here in Ottawa and across the country,†said Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau.
On Wednesday, January 29th, a total of nine search warrants were executed in locations across the City of Ottawa, and a total of approximately 75 charges were laid against a total of nine men. A full list of charged individuals and the offenses is included in Appendix A.
The objective of the Project Anarchy was to dismantle the local drug trafficking network in order to disrupt the distribution of cocaine in Ottawa. It was also meant to prevent further acts of violence related to the network’s activities in Ottawa and elsewhere in Canada.
The cocaine seized over the course of the Project represents an approximate street value of $12,250,000. A total of 10 vehicles, 4 firearms and 2 imitation firearms were seized.
The abuse of dangerous, illegal drugs continues to be a threat to Ontario communities, and requires highly trained, competent and professional law enforcement partnerships that includes municipal, provincial and federal levels.
“When you consider the scale of this drug investigation, the activities of the suspects and the impact of this network in communities across Ontario, it’s very important for all police services to have a vested interest and to work together to keep our communities safe,†added OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Armstrong.
Criminal network groups such as this one, seek to profit from their illegal activities. These illicit profits serve to undermine the social and economic well-being of Canadians and at the same time, increase the power and influence of organized criminals.
“Joining forces, and sharing our resources and areas of expertise, is a very effective way to dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety,†concluded RCMP Superintendent Guy Rook, District Commander for North Eastern Ontario.
