Niagara police arrest 30 people, lay more than 200 charges in drug investigation

Police in Niagara Region say 30 people face more than 200 charges after an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking and auto theft network.

Police say the investigation dubbed Project Road King began in August 2024 after the force's gang unit uncovered an alleged drug trafficking operation with ties to the region and multiple jurisdictions.

They say the force began investigating related criminal activity, including alleged auto theft, with help from several other police units including the RCMP.

Police say they executed 12 search warrants in Niagara, Hamilton and Toronto on Tuesday, and officers seized 38 stolen vehicles, several kilograms of drugs and multiple weapons.

They say 30 suspects, ranging in ages from 22 to 54, collectively face 213 charges including drug trafficking and firearm offences.

They say one suspect, a 31-year-old man from Welland, Ont., faces 42 of those charges, including theft and trafficking offences.

Police say several stolen vehicles were intercepted at shipping points intended for international export.