150 NABBED IN DRUG TRAFFICKING SWEEP

Undercover Probe Targets Downtown Parks

Following a five-week undercover investigation in downtown parks,
Toronto police have arrested 150 suspects and laid hundreds of
drug-related charges.

Police seized about $80,000 in cash and $240,000 worth of narcotics,
mainly crack cocaine, during the investigation.

Previous stings revealed that dealers frequently move between police
divisions to evade investigators, so 14 and 51 divisions teamed up
for their most recent sweep – dubbed Project Blue Diamond in 14
and Project Deed in 51.

"Drug dealers aren't necessarily dumb. If they see a pattern
developing, they'll move," said Det. Sgt. Howie Page. "It was seven
days a week, 24 hours a day. No set times. No set dates. That was
part of the strategy."

Officers posing as civilians purchased drugs in several downtown
communities, he said.

They focused their attention on community parks in Parkdale, the
Seaton St. neighbourhood, Regent Park and the Bloor St. and Lansdowne
Ave. area, Page said.

"At one time, the community had their concerns, but were afraid to
speak out. Fear of repercussions possibly. (Now) they're our eyes and
ears, steering us where to go," Page said.

The suspects, both men and women, have a total of 2,276 previous
criminal convictions, Page said. They range in age from 15 to 58,
come from all over the GTA and as far away as Cambridge. Page said
the suspects are alleged street-level dealers, with no ties to gangs.

The majority have been released on bail, he said.

Collectively, they have been charged with 428 trafficking and
possession offences.

At least seven were nabbed earlier this year during Project Ice and
Project Revival.

The Toronto Police TAVIS response teams plan to ramp up surveillance
of the affected communities and conduct routine compliance checks for
the suspects released on bail.

"They'll be knocking on doors, making sure these people are where
they're supposed to be," said Page.

"We're going to be very clear in our caution to those who believe
they can take over our community parks and neighbourhoods."