Five people have been arrested in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking investigation in Toronto, police announced Tuesday.
According to the Toronto Police Service (TPS), the arrests follow a coordinated operation led by the Drug Squad, with support from the Emergency Task Force. Officers executed multiple search warrants on July 10 at locations in the Jane Street and Weston Road area, as well as at storage facilities in both Toronto and Mississauga.
The operation led to the seizure of a loaded semi-automatic handgun, a 50-round magazine, more than 600 rounds of various ammunition, and a significant quantity of illegal drugs. Among the narcotics seized were 5,800 grams of cocaine, 2,800 grams of carfentanil, 1,200 grams of fentanyl, and over 280 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
Constable Sinderela Chung, speaking on behalf of Inspector Kathlin Seremetkovski of the Toronto Drug Squad, described the bust as a “major blow” to an active trafficking network.
The lead suspect, Onyejebechi Ifesimeshone, 28, of Toronto, was taken into custody and faces several serious charges. These include trafficking a Schedule I substance, four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, unauthorised possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, and careless storage of both a firearm and ammunition.
Ifesimeshone appeared in court on July 11 at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West.
Four other Toronto residents were also arrested and charged with multiple counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.
They are Jeannette Mesarosh, 54, Christopher Wan, 66, Raymond Carvery, 56, and Janet McGlone, 34.
Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact police or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
By Stephen A. Quaye, Toronto
