Illegal drugs, ammunition and 350K worth of assets seized during major operation by Hamilton Police

Hamilton Police have charged 12 individuals (eight from the Hamilton area) in connection with an operation aimed at dismantling illegal drug operations in the Greater Hamilton Toronto Area.

Today (Aug. 10), multiple law enforcement agencies including the Hamilton Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, and Toronto Police Service, announced that they disrupted a producer of fentanyl and other opioids.

The operation, called Project Odeon, was initiated after a laboratory was reportedly discovered during an investigation of an overdose death in the Hamilton Mountain area in November 2021.

Investigators say they had reason to believe another overdose death in a Toronto condo was linked to the one in Hamilton, as these instances were only days apart.

“As police, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of opioids. These substances have not only led to a surge in addictions and overdoses but have also strained our resources as we respond to calls for service,” said Superintendent Marty Schulenberg.

Tracing the origins of lab equipment used in drug production, investigators say they uncovered a trail that led to a company in the United States.

Police allege this company had sold laboratory items to an Oshawa-based business, helping investigators piece together an extensive drug network.

Subsequently, several search warrants were issued in multiple locations, including Hamilton, Smithville, and Toronto, between Aug 2-4.

Authorities allege they found an operational fentanyl drug lab in Smithville, a dismantled lab in Stouffville, and 64.1 kg of illicit drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl, and ketamine.

Police say they also found a loaded firearm, ammunition, and over $350,000 worth of seized assets, including cars, jewellery, furniture, and cash.

Courtesy: Hamilton Police

“The seizure of these opioids contributes to reducing the harms associated with opioid use for those who use substances, their family and friends, and the broader community,” said Julie Prieto, Director of Hamilton Public Health Services Epidemiology and Wellness Division.

A total of 48 criminal charges, including possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, production of substance, proceeds of crime, firearm possession and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

The individuals have now been identified as:

• Ly Duy Luan Do, 33-year-old from Hamilton
• Charanpal Gill, 28-year-old from Stoney Creek
• Jasanpal Gill, 22-year-old from Stoney Creek
• Shkelqim Ibishi, 30-year-old from Hamilton,
• Cindy Ly, a 31-year-old  physician from Toronto
• Elizabeth Milne, 33-year-old from Welland
• Garry Moore, 45-year-old  from Smithville
• Amanpreet Shergill, 30-year-old from Smithville
• Ghais Sultani, 32-year-old from Hamilton
• Akela Sultani, 59-year-old from Hamilton
• Fais Sultani, 20-year-old  from Hamilton
• Weeda Sultani, a 19-year-old from Hamilton

Thirty-one-year-0ld Cindy Ly, a physician from Toronto, remains at large. All other individuals have been arrested and charged by authorities.

“Dismantling a clan lab requires up to 50 personnel from police, fire, EMS, the Ontario Fire Marshall and Health Canada.”

Officers exchanging oxygen tanks during Project Odeon (Hamilton Police)

“Through Project ODEON, we were able to assist the Hamilton Police Service in safely dismantling not one, but two, clandestine labs. This investigation has had a significant impact on reducing harms and improving public safety,” said OPP Detective Superintendent Paula Milne in a statement.

Anyone with additional information about these crimes is asked to contact Detective Eric Hrab at 905-546-6340.