Pills, powder, guns seized following raids in Burlington and Hamilton

A series of raids led by Halton Police in Burlington, Hamilton, Beamsville and Grimsby has resulted in various drug and weapon charges against three people.

Police say the raids were carried out on Feb. 15 after a lengthy investigation. Officers seized more than five kilograms of cocaine and three loaded handguns. The guns were found hidden in custom-built compartments inside three vehicles that were also seized.

The operation was carried out by the 3 District (Burlington) Street Crime Unit with the assistance of multiple units within Halton Regional Police, Hamilton Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police.

Project Oyster was a lengthy investigation conducted by the 3 District (Burlington) Street Crime Unit with the assistance of multiple units within the HRPS, the Hamilton Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police.

Items found include:

• 5.75 kilograms of cocaine
• 45 kilograms of drug-cutting agents
• A cocaine press
• Three loaded Glock handguns with serial numbers removed
• 85 Oxycodone pills
• 75 rounds of ammunition
• 28 grams of Psilocybin
• Approximately $30,000 in cash

Charges have been filed against:

Stephen Papadopoulos, 44, of Hamilton

• Two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle
• Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
• Two counts of possession of firearm ammunition contrary to probation order
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Kim Hay Heng, 38, of Beamsville

• Three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking
• Two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle
• Possession of a prohibited device
• Two counts of possession of firearm ammunition contrary to probation order
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Frank Pearlman, 35, of Grimsby

• Two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking

All three suspects were held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.