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

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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