Arrests disrupt several networks involved in trafficking Fentanyl and other illicit drugs

TORONTO, July 23, 2018 /CNW/ - A joint Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) investigation in collaboration with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and foreign police agencies has led to charges against eight (8) Greater Toronto Area (GTA) residents.

The 18-month joint investigation stems from the arrest of two Canadian nationals in Bermuda for importing Fentanyl into Bermuda from Canada. The ensuing Canadian investigation led to uncovering several criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking activities throughout the GTA. The investigation led to the coordinated seizures of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Marihuana, Counterfeit US currency, twelve (12) hand guns and ammunition and one (1) hand grenade. Also seized was approximately $29,000.00 Canadian currency.  

On July 18^th and 19^th, 2018, coordinated efforts between the RCMP and DRPS led to the arrest of the following individuals:

Robert Collins (37 years old) of Bowmanville, Ontario, charged with:

• Exporting Fentanyl – contrary the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA);
• Conspiracy to Export Fentanyl - contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC);
• Trafficking in Fentanyl - contrary to the CDSA x 2;
• Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl - contrary to the CCC;
• Trafficking in Methamphetamine - contrary to the CDSA x 2;
• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine - contrary to the CCC;
• Conspiracy to Export Methamphetamine - contrary to CCC;
• Trafficking in Cocaine - contrary to the CDSA x 3;
• Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine - contrary to the CCC x 2;
• Trafficking Marihuana - contrary to the CDSA;
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime - contrary to the CCC x 5;
• Uttering Counterfeit US. Currency - contrary to the CCC;
• Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm - contrary to CCC.

Stephanie Legge (31 years old) and Jean Simmons (43 years old) of Mississauga, Ontario, are charged with:

• Exporting Fentanyl - contrary to the CDSA;
• Conspiracy to Export Fentanyl - contrary to the CCC;
• Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm - contrary to the CCC.

Faruk Sebastian Portobanco (39 years old) of Toronto, Ontario, charged with:

• Trafficking in Fentanyl - contrary to the CDSA x 2;
• Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl - contrary to the CCC;
• Trafficking in Cocaine - contrary to the CDSA x 2;
• Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine - contrary to the CCC x 2;
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime - contrary to the CCC x 3;
• Multiple gun related offences – contrary to the CCC.

Lemar Patrick Burke (26 years old) of Pickering, Ontario, charged with the following:

• Trafficking in Methamphetamine - contrary to the CDSA x 2;
• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine - contrary to the CCC;
• Conspiracy to Export Methamphetamine - contrary to the CCC;
• Trafficking in Cocaine - contrary to the CDSA;
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime - contrary to the CCC.

Brian Luckman (49 years old) of Brampton, Ontario, charged with:

• Trafficking in Methamphetamine - contrary to the CDSA;
• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine - contrary to the CCC;
• Conspiracy to Export Methamphetamine - contrary to the CCC;
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime - contrary to the CCC.

All of the above accused appeared at the Old City Hall Court House on July 18 & 19, 2018 where charges were spoken to.

Craig Lawrence (37 years old) of Markham, Ontario, was arrested July 20, 2018 and charged with:

• Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm - contrary to the CCC.

He appeared in court July 20, 2018 at Old City Hall.

Desmond Kerr (47 years old) of Brampton, Ontario, has been charged with;

• Exporting Fentanyl - contrary to the CDSA;
• Conspiracy to Export Fentanyl - contrary to the CCC;
• Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm - contrary to the CCC.

"Serious and Organized Crime in Canada is a multi-faceted and borderless problem impacting all Canadians, directly or indirectly", said Inspector Donna Streeter, Officer in Charge - Toronto North Serious and Organized Crime Team. "Through a variety of specialized programs and teams, the RCMP combats serious and organized crime by implementing intelligence-led police operations with the collaboration of domestic and international partners."

The RCMP would like to thank DRPS, CBSA, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and other foreign police agencies for their assistance.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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Website: RCMP in Ontario

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police

please contact: Sgt. Penny Hermann, RCMP Media Relations, "O" Division (Ontario), PHONE # [phone], Email: [email protected]; Dave Selby, DRPS Corporate Communications, PHONE # [phone] ex.t 4346

Related Links

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/