Project Catfish concludes with multiple arrests, 55 charges

By Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

The Halton Police and Haldimand County OPP have made a significant breakthrough following the conclusion of Project Catfish, a months-long investigation targeting a drug trafficking network operating across the Halton Region and the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area (GTHA).

The investigation, which began in May 2024, has led to multiple arrests, 55 charges, and a substantial seizure of drugs and firearms.

On September 5, 2024, police officers from the HRPS, OPP, and multiple surrounding services executed nine search warrants simultaneously in Burlington, Hamilton, Toronto, Dunnville, and Cambridge. The coordinated effort involved the assistance of emergency services units from Hamilton, Toronto, Waterloo, and Niagara. The raids targeted both residences and vehicles, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals and the seizure of a large cache of weapons and drugs.

Items recovered from the raids included two loaded Smith and Wesson handguns, a Glock firearm with a defaced serial number, prohibited ammunition, a drum magazine, two crossbows, 4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 3 kilograms of cocaine, 115 grams of oxycodone, and 950 grams of fentanyl. Additionally, $120,000 in Canadian currency and two vehicles were confiscated.

Detective Sergeant Derek Moyes of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “The trafficking of illicit substances into our communities is related to the rise in drug poisonings which we know can lead to tragic outcomes. Similarly, trafficking and possessing firearms is a direct threat to public safety. The results of Project Catfish clearly demonstrate our commitment to collaborate with our policing partners and hold those who participate in these criminal acts accountable.”

Among the 11 individuals arrested and facing a total of 55 charges are:

Dario Dilber (34) of Dunnville was charged with multiple counts, including possession of fentanyl and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of prohibited firearms, and failure to comply with release orders. Dilber is being held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Julia Dowling (39) of Dunnville is facing charges of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, firearm-related offences, and careless storage of a firearm. Dowling remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Abdalle Farah (31) of Burlington has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and tampering with a firearm’s serial number. Farah is being held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Timothy King (51) of Hannon is facing numerous charges, including possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and multiple counts of violating prohibition orders. King remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Issa Sufi (28) of Toronto has been charged with possession of fentanyl, cocaine, and hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking, as well as failing to comply with an undertaking. Sufi remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

Michael Tesfay (28) of Cambridge is facing two counts of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and three counts of breach of release orders. Tesfay remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

Yahya Yusuf (33) of Burlington is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and tampering with a firearm’s serial number. Yusuf is being held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Sharmel Facey (19) of Dunnville was charged with possession of fentanyl and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Facey has been released from custody pending a court appearance.

Faycal Krazini (23) of Cambridge is facing two counts of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking. Krazini was released from custody and is awaiting a court appearance.

Karel Beleba (45) of Hamilton has been charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking. Beleba has been released from custody and will appear in court soon.

Katherine Hayes (35) of Dunnville is facing charges of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. She has been released pending a court appearance.

The successful completion of Project Catfish was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government’s Ministry of the Solicitor General, with support from the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. This collaborative investigation underscores law enforcement’s continued efforts to disrupt criminal networks and ensure the safety of the public. The accused individuals are expected to appear in court in the coming days.