Toronto, York police seize $1M in drugs, assets in raids

Toronto and York Regional Police announced Wednesday that a series of raids on an industrial unit and several homes in Markham and Toronto led to nine arrests and the seizure of more than $1 million worth of drugs and assets.

The investigation, which began last year, was focused on a suspected marijuana grow-op.

On Monday, investigators searched five houses in Markham and Toronto, seizing 109 suspected marijuana plants.

Also seized were:

• 227 grams of psilocybin (mushrooms).
• 132 grams of ketamine.
• 44 grams of hashish.
• Three grams of heroin.
• Six tablets of ecstasy.

The raids were the result of an investigation that continued after the York drugs-and-vice unit executed a June 24 search warrant on an industrial unit on Attwell Drive in Toronto.

During that search last month, investigators found a marijuana grow operation and seized 3,780 plants. In all, police say the estimated street value of the drugs is $1,076,125.

Police also seized three vehicles and $34,000 in cash.

The investigators were supported by the York intelligence unit, two criminal investigation bureaus, the asset forfeiture unit and the Toronto drug squad.

Nine people were arrested. The charges laid against them include production of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, theft of electricity and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. One of the accused faces a charge of failure to comply with recognizance.

Four suspects appeared in court today in Newmarket. The remaining five accused will appear in court on July 19.