Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has concluded a nearly eight-month long investigation into the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms in Durham Region.
This investigation was named Project Burton and resulted in 32 people being arrested, 184 criminal charges, and the seizure of 16 firearms.
In January, the DRPS Gun and Gang Enforcement Unit (GGU) began an investigation in response to the alarming number of illegal firearms being trafficked and used in the commission of offences. This operation, in partnership with the Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and Criminal Intelligence Services Ontario, required the coordinated efforts of over 130 Tactical Support Officers from across the province, making it the largest tactical operation in DRPS history, said a police statement.
This investigation focused on a group who self identified as ‘2230’. The origin of 2230 initiated from a double homicide that occurred in Oshawa on June 25th, 2022. They were believed to be in involved in the trafficking of illegal firearms, illegal weapon possession, drug distribution, and various fraud schemes. Their criminal activities stretched beyond Durham Region, reaching as far as British Columbia, police said.
In total, officers seized 12 handguns, 3 long guns, one .22 caliber carbine semi-automatic rifle, seven prohibited devices, including six extended magazines, a 50-round drum magazine, an auto-sear selector switch capable of converting a handgun into a fully automatic weapon, one kilogram of cocaine, one kilogram of fentanyl, and $80,000 in currency.
Investigators are seeking the publics assistance in locating two suspects who are still outstanding.
A man, age 23 from Oshawa is wanted for numerous offences including Weapons Trafficking.
A male, age 19 from Oshawa is wanted for numerous offences including Weapons Trafficking.
Of the 32 individuals arrested, 28 were held for a bail hearing. Thirteen of those were released on their first court appearance. Since being released, three are now wanted for breaching their release conditions.
A full list of all parties arrested and charged as well and some more images is available at www.drps.ca.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Naccarato of the Gun and Gang Enforcement Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5869.
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name or identify the accused as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.