Major drug trafficking ring in Hamilton, Caledonia, Niagara taken down, 19 arrested

Ontario | Hamilton | Niagara | Latest News | Police |

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Published July 17, 2024 at 7:37 pm

Ontario, Hamilton, Niagara, Caledonia, RCMP, police, drugs, guns, drug trafficking ring, arrests, cocaine
An RCMP-led unit has dismantled a well-organized group that has been responsible for distributing dangerous narcotics in the Hamilton, Caledonia, and Niagara regions. Over 19 people have been arrested. RCMP IMAGES

Over 19 people are facing charges in connection with an RCMP-led drug bust of a “well-organized group” alleged of distributing dangerous narcotics in the Hamilton, Caledonia, and Niagara regions.

The RCMP’s Golden Horseshoe Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) launched an investigation in 2023 after uncovering evidence of drugs ranging from cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and others being trafficked in the Golden Horseshoe area.

Arrests and warrants were executed in three rounds, starting in April 2024.

“I would like to thank all the investigators and our partners who contributed to this major criminal investigation,” said RCMP Inspector Henry Tillo, Officer-in-Charge, Golden Horseshoe CFSEU. “Organized crime groups use proceeds of drug trafficking to fund further criminal activity.

“These arrests make a positive impact for our community by closing off what had been a profitable operation that supported organized crime in southern Ontario.”

With the warrants, police seized large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and prescription pills. Police also seized multiple firearms, ammunition, ballistic vests, Canadian currency, and other items believed to be used to aid in the trafficking of high levels of narcotics.

As well, several kilograms of suspicious substances have been sent to the lab to be tested for suspected narcotics.

In issuing the warrants and making the arrests the RCMP also received help from multiple police tactical teams including Hamilton Police, RCMP, Niagara Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, Waterloo Regional Police, and OPP.

Further assistance was provided by the Biker Enforcement Unit (OPP), and the Hamilton Police Major Drugs and Gang Unit.

“Crime knows no borders, and neither does our commitment to fighting it,” said Supt. Martin Schulenberg, Investigative Services Division, Hamilton Police Service. “By partnering with our neighbouring police agencies, we are dedicated to investigating and disrupting organized crime.

“Together, we will ensure the safety and security of our communities.”

The alleged leaders of the group have been charged as follows:

Sean Bixby (41)

  • Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) 5(1) – Trafficking Methamphetamine
  • CDSA 5(1) – Trafficking Cocaine
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • Conspiracy to traffic Methamphetamine
  • Conspiracy to traffic Cocaine
  • Proceeds of crime under $5,000
  • Fail to comply with court order (multiple counts)

David Langhorn (38)

  • CDSA 5(1)- Trafficking Methamphetamine
  • CDSA 5(1)- Trafficking Cocaine
  • CDSA 5(1)- Trafficking Oxycodone
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Oxycodone)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Ecstasy)
  • Conspiracy to traffic Methamphetamine
  • Conspiracy to traffic Cocaine
  • Proceeds of crime under $5,000
  • Possess counterfeit money
  • Fail to comply with court order (multiple counts)

Dwayne Smith (43)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine) X3
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Codeine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Oxycodone)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Psilocybin)
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm X2
  • Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited Firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device X2 (extended magazines)
  • Careless storage of a firearm X2
  • Tamper with serial of a firearm X2
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose X2
  • Proceeds of crime over $5000

Sixteen additional individuals are also facing charges, including:

Christopher Newton (40)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth) X2
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl) X2
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • Proceeds of crime over $5,000
  • Possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to order (multiple counts)
  • Unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Careless transport of a firearm
  • Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there is a firearm in the motor vehicle

Brett Boyd (24)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Psilocybin)
  • Proceeds of crime over $5000
  • Unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited weapon (extended magazines) X2
  • Careless storage of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Tamper with serial number of a firearm
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to order

Autumn Carroll (40)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • CDSA 5(1) – Trafficking Cocaine
  • Conspiracy to traffic Cocaine
  • Proceeds of crime under $5000

Ryley Donnelly-Lavelle (26)

  • Conspiracy to traffic Methamphetamine
  • Proceeds of crime under $5000

Terry Romano (34)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Codeine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Oxycodone)
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Careless transport of a firearm
  • Tamper with serial number of a firearm
  • Fail to comply with order (multiple counts)

Zakhi Martin (19)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • Proceeds of crime over $5,000
  • Possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to order (multiple counts)
  • Unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Careless transport of a firearm
  • Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there is a firearm in the motor vehicle
  • Fail to comply with order (multiple counts)

Jamie-Lee Baxter (37)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • Proceeds of crime over $5,000
  • Possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to order (multiple counts)
  • Unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Careless transport of a firearm
  • Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there is a firearm in the motor vehicle

Charmain Smith (40)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl)

Shadrac Tshiunza (21)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl)

Jude Jenkins (61)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Codeine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Oxycodone)
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Careless transport of a firearm
  • Tamper with serial number of a firearm

Patricia Romano (62)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Codeine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Oxycodone)
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Careless transport of a firearm
  • Tamper with serial number of a firearm

Charles St. John (48)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)

Tracey Noble (46)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)

William McCaffrey (48)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)

Adam Carroll (38)

  • Assault Police Officer

Brandon Boyd (21)

  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Psilocybin)
  • Proceeds of crime over $5000
  • Unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited weapon (extended magazines) X2
  • Careless storage of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Tamper with serial number of a firearm

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