Police raids in Hamilton lead to multiple charges in ‘Project LYNX’ drug trafficking investigation

Published April 8, 2021 at 1:34 pm

A seven-month police investigation spanning several southern Ontario regions resulted in dozens of drug trafficking-related charges.

On April 2, 2021, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Drug and Human Trafficking Unit concluded “Project LYNX,” which targeted a “highly organized and sophisticated drug network” involved with drug trafficking, importing, and money laundering.

The network worked collectively with these organizations to import and traffic cocaine and fentanyl throughout Halton Region and Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), police say.

As a result of the investigation, six raids were executed in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Oakville, Mississauga, Bolton, and Toronto.

The following were arrested and charged:

Terence Yoo (41) of Oakville

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Psilocybin

Ajmer Singh (44) of Mississauga

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – MDMA
  • Trafficking – Cocaine (1 kilogram)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – 4 counts
  • Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
  • Weapons Trafficking (Firearm)
  • Weapons Trafficking (Ammunition)
  • Trafficking Property Obtained by Crime – 2 counts
  • Careless Use of Firearm
  • Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of Restricted Firearm
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

Parminder Grewal (44) of Mississauga

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Marko Vrakela (34) of Toronto

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Clinton Valentine (47) of Toronto

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Sawraj Singh (31) of Caledon

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime  – 3 counts
  • Careless Use of Firearm
  • Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of Restricted Firearm
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

Karan Dev (32) of Caledon

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – 3 counts
  • Careless Use of Firearm
  • Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of Restricted Firearm
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

A warrant has also been issued for the arrest of one outstanding party, according to police.

The following items were seized:

  • 17 kilograms of cocaine
  • 3 kilograms of fentanyl
  • 1 kilogram of MDMA (ecstasy)
  • $1,139,423 million in Canadian currency
  • $4,840 in US currency
  • .357 Magnum (firearm) with ammunition
  • 2021 Mercedes Benz AMG
  • 2016 Honda Odyssey
  • 3 Rolex watches

The estimated value of seized proceeds, drugs and currency is valued at 2.5 million dollars, according to police.

“An investigation of this magnitude and complexity would not have resulted in the successful disruption of these criminal organizations without the assistance of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Canada (FINTRAC) and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit (OPP),” said Halton police in a release.

Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact the HRPS – Drug and Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5331.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

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