- UPDATE - OPP MAKE ANOTHER ARREST IN RELATION TO PROJECT BIRMINGHAM

Suspect Arrested and Returned from Cuba

ORILLIA, ON, Dec. 20 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) led Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) has arrested and charged a suspect wanted on an international arrest warrant for his role in a 16-month long investigation that originated with a marihuana grow-op investigation that had been concealed in a former brewery in Barrie, Ontario.

On October 13, 2010, numerous search and arrest warrants were executed by the joint forces investigation in relation to the marihuana growing and distribution operation that was dubbed "Project Birmingham". 

One of the individuals charged in Project Birmingham failed to return to Canada from Cuba on his scheduled return date.  After obtaining an international arrest warrant, OPP investigators, working closely with Interpol, the RCMP and Cuban authorities, arrested the suspect in Cuba after he attempted to board a flight to South America.  Robert DEROSA, age 51 of Phelpston Ontario was arrested by the OPP in Cuba and returned to Canada on December 18, 2010.

DEROSA has been charged with the following offences in relation to this investigation:

• PRODUCTION OF MARIHUANA • POSSESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAFFICKING • CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION - 2 counts • TRAFFICKING MARIHUANA - 2 counts • POSSESSION OF PROCEEDS OF CRIME • CONSPIRACY TO PRODUCE A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE • CONSPIRACY TO TRAFFICKING MARIHUANA • OFFER TO TRAFFIC FIREARMS - 2 counts • CONSPIRACY TO TRAFFIC FIREARMS and • CONSPIRACY TO IMPORT COCAINE

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on December 22, 2010 for a bail hearing. 

www.opp.ca

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For further information:

OPP Detective Inspector Andy Karski
Criminal Investigation Branch
Phone:  [phone]