PEEL POLICE MAKE BIG DODA BUST

Illegal Substance on the Rise in GTA

More than $2.5 million worth of the illegal drug "Doda" has been
seized by Peel police following a series of raids on Greater Toronto
locations.

Police say Monday's discovery is one of the largest in the GTA since
the crackdown of the opiate-based drug began last year.

Three different search warrants were executed: one at a Brampton
residence, another at a Toronto home and a third at a Mississauga
storage facility.

Investigators with Peel's vice unit seized more than 200 boxes
containing 1,282 kilograms of Doda with an estimated street value of
$2.564 million.

[redacted] was arrested and charged with possession
and trafficking of a controlled substance. He is to appear in a
Brampton court April 22.

The arrest is the latest in a series of raids on locations in
Peel.

Doda is considered to be harmful and highly addictive drug, which has
become increasingly popular in South Asian communities in Ontario and
western Canada.

It's made from dried seeds and husks of opium poppies that produces a
sustained feeling of euphoria when ingested with hot water or tea.

The drug is mostly sold in small grocery stores as well as flower and
meat shops.

In an unrelated case [redacted] is to stand
trial June 14 in what is believed GTA's first prosecution for
possession and trafficking of the drug.

Last September, Canada Customs made two major seizures on successive
days in southern Alberta. On Sept. 22, officers found 22 skids
containing 2,700 kilograms of Doda worth $5.45 million inside a
transport truck. The next day, another 26 skids with more than 4,500
kilograms of the drug worth an estimated street value of more than $9
million were seized.