Joint probe takes down illegal drug and gambling operations

Eleven Charged; Illegal Drugs and Weapons Removed From Supply 

ESSEX COUNTY, ON, March 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Several Ontario residents face charges following a lengthy investigation involving in illegal drug trafficking, bookmaking and gambling operations.

Based on information linked to previous Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) investigations in the Greater Toronto Area, Project HELENSBURGH took on another organized crime group in the Windsor area. This group is suspected of conducting illegal online gambling, bookmaking, and illicit drug distribution. On March 6, 2014, police executed nine (9) search warrants at five residences and four vehicles in the Windsor area as well as locations in the Town of Amherstburg and the City of London.

At a news conference today, OPP Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod and Superintendent John St. Louis of the Windsor Police Service revealed details of Project HELENSBURGH.

Project HELENSBURGH was conducted in partnership with the Windsor Police Service. Members of the OPP Organized Crime Team, Windsor Police and the London Police Service Emergency Service Unit assisted with executing the warrants. During the investigation, police seized one kilogram (2.25 pounds) of cocaine worth approximately $50,000, 16 kilograms (31 pounds) of marihuana worth approximately $77,500, two (2) prohibited weapons (one handgun and brass knuckles), $6,000 in cash, $45,000 worth of jewellery, and two (2) vehicles as proceeds of crime.

Eleven (11) people ranging in age from 21-43 years have been charged with 43 offences -- 17 charges relating to illegal gambling, 17 Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) charges, three (3) counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, three (3) counts of Extortion with Violence, two (2) Prohibited Weapons offences and one other Criminal Code offence. (See PROJECT HELENSBURGH -- ADDENDUM OF CHARGED PERSONS below).

All of the accused persons are expected to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor at various times and dates. The investigation continues.

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The Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) has a mandate to work with its partners to facilitate the disruption and suppression of organized crime, which affects the citizens of Ontario. OCEB provides members and operational support to investigations on a provincial, national, and international level, working in cooperation with law enforcement agencies from around the world.

QUOTES

"This joint investigation means thousands of dollars have been taken out of major criminal enterprises and prevented illegal drugs from getting into our communities." - Scott TOD, Deputy Commissioner, Ontario Provincial Police 

"Project HELENSBURGH is yet another example of how effective law enforcement is at working together to target and tackle criminality." - Superintendent John St. Louis, Windsor Police Service.

PROJECT HELENSBURGH - ADDENDUM OF CHARGED PERSONS - 7 MARCH 2014

NAME	AGE	MUNICIPAL RESIDENCE	CHARGE	COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT
Sang NGUYEN	38	Windsor, ON	Engage in Book-Making Record a Bet Possess Money related to Bookmaking Provide Betting Information related to Sports Did send, transmit or deliver messages by telephone that convey information relating to betting Possession of Property Obtained by Crime	TBD Windsor
Anthony AMANTE	22	Windsor, ON	Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Conspiracy to Traffick Cocaine Counsel Suicide Extortion with Violation (x3) Drive Disqualified Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana Engage in Book-Making Record a Bet Possess Money related to Bookmaking Provide Betting Information related to Sports Did send, transmit or deliver messages by telephone that convey information relating to betting Possession of a Narcotic	Bail Hearing 07 Mar 14 Windsor
Adam WRAY	23	Lasalle, ON	Conspiracy to Traffick Cocaine Trafficking Cannabis Marihuana Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana	TBD Windsor
Brooke DOYLE	25	London, ON	Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Possession of a Narcotic	TBD Windsor
Frank MOLLE	24	Windsor, ON	Conspiracy to Traffick Cocaine Possession of Prohibited Weapon Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Narcotic	TBD Windsor
Kevin LAUZON	30	Windsor, ON	Conspiracy to Traffick Cocaine	TBD - Windsor
Marc MIREAULT	33	Amherstburg, ON	Trafficking Cannabis Marihuana Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana Possession of a Narcotic	TBD Windsor
Matthew ATHANASOPOULOS	21	Lasalle, ON	Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana Trafficking Marihuana	TBD Windsor
Tyler Peter WASILEFF	41	Windsor, ON	Engage in Book-Making Record a Bet Possess Money related to Bookmaking Provide Betting Information related to Sports Did send, transmit or deliver messages by telephone that convey information relating to betting Possession of Property Obtained by Crime	Bail Hearing Windsor
Kyle GREENING	23	Windsor, ON	Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana Possession of Prohibited Weapon Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Narcotic	TBD Windsor
Adam ZAROD	43	Windsor, ON	Engage in Book-Making Send, transmit or deliver messages by telephone that convey information relating to betting	TBD Windsor

 

SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police

Contact:     
PC Stephanie Moniz
Community Services Officer
OPP Essex Detachment

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