Police in York Region have arrested 17 people who are allegedly part of a “multi-faceted criminal organization” involved in home invasions, armed robberies and drug trafficking in the Greater Toronto Area.
The results are part of a year-long investigation dubbed “Project Skyfall,” announced by York Regional Police Tuesday. The accused are facing a combined total of 83 charges.
“Today, we’re here to send a very strong message that the York Regional Police will not tolerate armed criminals violating the sanctity of the homes in our community. And we will use every resource available to us to eliminate the threats that illegal firearms and organized crime pose to York Region’s residents,” Deputy Chief of Investigations Alvaro Almeida said during a news conference.
In addition to the arrest, investigators also seized $14 million worth of drugs and three weapons, which were displayed during the news conference.
SOME SUSPECTS ALREADY OUT ON BAIL, POLICE SAY
Almeida said six of the people were on bail conditions or other forms of release when they were arrested, including one who was on parole for armed robbery and discharging a gun.
He added that three others have firearm prohibitions.
Almeida revealed that prior to the news conference, seven of the suspects were already out on bail.
“We know that profit-driven crime is complex and that these responsible know no boundaries. If it makes them money, be it armed robbery, trafficking in drugs, or terrorizing a family within their own home, criminals will jump at the opportunity and they will repeat this behaviour time and time again. These individuals pose a danger to our community,” he said.
“They should be held in custody, but unfortunately, they have been released. This needs to change. I can assure you that police are working everywhere very hard to prevent crime every single day.”