Shipment of cannabis and cocaine worth $630K leads to drug ‘network’ in Brampton and Oakville, police say

Charges have been laid against two men after more than 130 kilos of cocaine and cannabis were found in shipping containers and raids in Brampton, Oakville, Niagara Falls and Kitchener.

The multi-agency drug bust kicked off in February when the OPP says investigators learned of a drug trafficking network exporting illegal cannabis and suspected cocaine out of the country.

In May, the investigation led to the search at the Port of Montreal where 11.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 123 kilograms of illegal cannabis were found hidden in shipping containers.

Then on June 27, the OPP’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force and police agencies from Peel, Toronto, and across Ontario raided seven locations in Brampton, Oakville, Niagara Falls and Kitchener.

Police say the drugs had a combined estimated street value of $630,000, and one man was arrested and charged during the investigation while a warrant has been issued for the arrest of a second suspect.

“This investigation shows the true value of collaboration with our provincial and national policing partners. Criminal networks continue to exploit our borders, and with partnerships such as the Border Enforcement Security Task Force, we can curb their importation and exportation attempts,” said OPP Det. Sup. Lee Fulford in a release.

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The Port of Montreal is sometimes used as an export hub for organized crime groups, including vehicle theft rings using stolen cars as currency.

Darko Tambur, 37, of Niagara Falls, has been charged with trafficking schedule I substance, exporting schedule I substance, and importing and exporting cannabis.

The OPP has also issued a warrant for the arrest of Damir Dedic, 53, of Kitchener.

The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity to contact the Canada Border Services Agency border watch line at 1-888-502-9060. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.