Firearms seized, more than $1M in stolen property recovered in fraud investigation

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Ian MacLennan, June 11, 2025

Image provided by Barrie Police Service/June 11, 2025

A months-long investigation by the combined Barrie Police-South Simcoe Police Street Crime Auto Theft Unit has resulted in three arrests and the recovery of more than $1 million in property.

Barrie police say the investigation focused on vehicle thefts through the use of fraudulent cheques and bank drafts across Ontario.

“The search warrants yielded personal watercraft, a pontoon boat, construction equipment, and high-end watches,” police said in a news release.

They say the property was allegedly obtained through the use of fraudulent cheques and bank drafts.

Also seized by police were three motor vehicles, a large amount of Canadian currency, and firearms.

The recovery of the property happened on last week when officers executed search warrants at locations in Toronto, King City, Havelock and Springwater Township.

At one of the search warrant locations, police say they seized 35 firearms and a quantity of ammunition. In total, 45 firearms were seized, and a 52-year-old man from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is facing charges related to the guns.

A 26-year-old Toronto woman and a 32-year-old man from Springwater face numerous charges including theft, possession of property obtained by crime, vehicle theft, fraud, uttering a forged document, identity theft and identity fraud.

Police say these charges stem from related investigations in Barrie, Oro-Medonte Township and Prince Edward County.

Investigators in the GTA and across southern and central Ontario believe the suspects are responsible for additional occurrences that also involve the use of fraudulent cheques and bank drafts.

Police would like to hear from anyone who believes they may have been victims of the accused.

“The professional and methodical approach undertaken by the combined Barrie Police-South Simcoe Police Street Crime Auto Theft Unit is beyond impressive,” said Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston.” With the support of the preventing auto thefts grant, these detectives far exceeded the scope of the initial investigation and have successfully coordinated what is likely to become a very large multi-jurisdictional investigation with an impactful outcome. Their work is the tip of an investigative iceberg that will hopefully bring resolution to many occurrences across Ontario.”

South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke said the investigation was the result of exceptional collaboration and excellent police work.

” It took long hours and hard work to recover the firearms and over a million dollars of stolen property. This is an outstanding outcome that reflects the dedication, skills and collective effort of our partnership with the Barrie Police Service. It reinforces our shared commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the communities we serve.”

OPP’s largest fentanyl bust: Enough doses to devastate a city

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By Newsroom, June 10, 2025

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have made history with their largest fentanyl seizure, uncovering 38 kilograms of the deadly opioid—enough for an estimated 380,000 street-level doses. The operation, known as Project GOLDEN, also led to the seizure of significant amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, and over $120,000 in cash.

The investigation, launched in July 2024, targeted a vast drug trafficking network operating across southwestern Ontario. Authorities say the fentanyl seized could have wreaked havoc on communities, as its potency varied due to being cut with other substances—a dangerous reality for those battling addiction.

On May 28, 2025, police executed search warrants across multiple cities, including Hamilton, Mississauga, Toronto, and Burlington, with enforcement teams from the OPP, Hamilton Police Service, RCMP, and several regional police agencies working in coordination. In total, 15 individuals are facing 140 charges related to drug trafficking and firearm offenses.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique emphasized the importance of this bust in disrupting the drug trade, stating, “Today, we announce the largest seizure of fentanyl in OPP history through Project GOLDEN. We are committed to working with our partners, both provincially and nationally, to stem the flow of illegal drugs in the communities we serve.”

Beyond the staggering amount of fentanyl removed from circulation, authorities also seized firearms—including handguns and a rifle—along with brass knuckles and three vehicles linked to criminal activity.

Hamilton Police Service Superintendent Marty Schulenberg highlighted the local impact, stating, “Project GOLDEN has taken a significant amount of deadly fentanyl and illegal firearms off Hamilton’s streets—saving lives, protecting families, and making our neighbourhoods safer.”

The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities, with fentanyl-related overdoses becoming all too common. While enforcement plays a crucial role in combating the crisis, officials acknowledge that solutions must also include harm reduction efforts, public awareness, and access to treatment.

The investigation into the source of the fentanyl is ongoing, with authorities working to trace its origins and dismantle the broader network behind its distribution.