Halton police bust up nationwide drug ring; four men face charges

Halton police have arrested four men on a multitude of drug charges following an investigation dubbed Project Atlas.

Last month, members of the Halton Regional Police Drug and Human Trafficking Unit initiated an investigation into the alleged interprovincial trafficking of cocaine and proceeds between Ontario and Western Canada.

The trafficking of cocaine and proceeds relied upon individuals engaging in specific roles in order to facilitate the drug pipeline, police said.

This included the use of sophisticated hydraulic traps installed in vans for the sole purpose of moving drugs and currency along with GPS devices to track the crime vehicles’ movements, investigators added.

On Aug. 24 and 25, police executed eight warrants (three residential condominiums, five vehicles) in the Toronto area. Three of the five vehicles contained covert traps, according to police.

Police seized:

• 126 kilograms of cocaine
• more than $1.2 million in Canadian currency
• three vehicles as offence-related property
• cutting agent along with stamping plates used to reprocess cocaine
• money counters

“Given the increasing overdose epidemic and the harms associated with the illicit drug supply, this interdiction of such a large quantity of cocaine will undoubtedly save many lives,” said Insp. Dave Costantini.

“In addition, this major disruption will also force those involved in organized crime to answer for their choices.”

Facing charges are:

• Kenneth Dang, 39, of Maple: possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, two counts conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
• Kyu Chang Park, 39, of Etobicoke: trafficking in property obtained by crime, two counts conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Chin Eng Pong, 35, of North York: two counts conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Chandara Saroeung Svy, 35, of Toronto: trafficking in property obtained by crime, two counts conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The approximate street value of the seized drugs exceeds $10 million, police said.