Project Icarus Makes Largest Drug Seizure in HRPS history

By: Saeed Akhtar, and Laura Steiner/ Local Journalism Initiative

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has successfully concluded ‘Project Icarus.’ The operation started with the arrest of a single suspect, and ended up with 12 arrests, and the largest drug seizure in HRPS’ history.

“Through hard work and collaboration our dedicated officers turned a small investigation of a single suspect into a significant project. Icarus has removed drugs, guns and criminals from the streets of not just Halton but the entire GTA (Greater Toronto Area)”, HRPS Deputy Chief Jeff Hill said.   The first arrest was made October 2020.

The operation became a combined forces’ operation with the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, Peel Regional Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency collectively known as “Project Icarus.”  The results included the seizure of the following:

• 27 kilograms of cocaine;
• 15 kilograms of ecstasy (MDMA);
• Over 1000 kilograms of cannabis in bulk, edible, and resin form;
• One .40 caliber Glock handgun;
• One 9mm Glock handgun;
• Prohibited magazines; and
• One 12 gauge shotgun and 1,100 rounds of ammunition.

Other items seized included the fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine.  The operation also seized over $100,000 worth of jewelry and cars. “The results of this investigation exemplify the incredible work that our officers and our law enforcement partners do every single day to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities we serve. The types and amounts of illicit drugs seized during this investigation should be highly concerning to everyone,” Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said.

As result of Project Icarus the following suspects have been arrested and charged:

James Ferrier (27) of Toronto:

Charged with: with possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (x2), and possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Trafficking.

James Ferrier (27) of Toronto:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (x2)
• Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Trafficking

Chanelle Luu (26) of Toronto:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

John Byard (40) of Mississauga:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Trafficking

Trevor Harwood (42) of Etobicoke:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (x2)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

Jile Cai (34) of Etobicoke:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

Anthony Mason (39) of Hamilton:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Trafficking a Controlled Substance (x2)
• Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution

Brian Aguiar (32) of Burlington:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (x4)
• Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
• Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon (x2)
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle (x2)
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (x2)
• Breach of Firearms Regulation (x2)
• Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Crime

Ana Antunes (30) of Burlington:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Crystal Giang (30) of North York:

• Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution

Thanh Ma (31) of Newmarket:

• Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution

Project Icarus secured 130 judicial warrants across the GTA.  They identified what police describe as an “extensive organized group.