Police backed by the Emergency Task Force made a series of raids in downtown Toronto Wednesday night, arresting nine people, including "at least five known gang members."

The raids were directed at a street gang known as the Project Originals, which operates in the Vanauley Walk Housing Complex near Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street, said Det. Sgt. John Loughlin.

About 30 officers smashed down doors at five townhouses in the complex just after 7 p.m., and a significant amount of drugs and cash was recovered, police said.

The nine suspects were scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning for bail hearings. They face a variety of charges including trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, and being in possession of the proceeds of crime.

"[They] were very active in the drug trade and, we believe, the gun trade," said Loughlin.

"They're in custody. I think that will put a huge hole, at least for the time being, in gang-related activity in Vanauley Walk."

One of the 14 Division officers involved, Det. Const. Aaron Dennis, told CBC News these high-risk raids are part of a continuous pressure tactic being used to unsettle the gangs operating in the area.

He said the Project Originals are the main gang, with about 30 members.

Police said the gang is the centre of drug dealing in the downtown, and has been linked to several gang-related shootings in the area.