NEWS RELEASE
HALTON REGIONAL POLICE
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On March 25, 2024, members of the Halton Regional Police Service Regional Drugs and Organized Crime Unit concluded a four-month investigation dubbed Project Fade. Fade commenced after identifying a resident of Milton who was (allegedly) involved in the distribution of cocaine. Investigation into this male revealed a drug trafficking network involving three other parties that operated in the Halton Region and surrounding areas.
“Organized crime groups generate substantial profits from the distribution and sale of illicit drugs. This is their sole focus. They do not concern themselves with the violence and devastation they bring to our communities,” said Detective Sergeant Barrett Gabriel of the Regional Drugs and Organized Crime Unit.
Between March 24 and 25, 2024, six Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants were executed at residential locations in the Town of Oakville, Milton, Mississauga and Guelph. As a result, the following items were located and seized:
- Approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine
- One ounce of MDMA
- Over 500 prescription pills including oxycodone and clonazepam
- ¼ ounce of methamphetamine
- Approximately $350,000 in bundled Canadian currency.
“The drugs seized in this investigation have an estimated street value exceeding 1.6 million dollars. When we consider the fact that in 2024, our officers have responded to 136 drug poisoning events, nine of which resulted in a fatality, this is a significant interdiction, which will ultimately save many lives,” said Superintendent Dave Costantini Halton Regional Police Service.
As a result of the investigation, the following parties were charged:
Sami Karnaz of the Town of Milton
- Two counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
- Property Obtained by Crime – over $5,000
Gurdeep Bagri of the City of Guelph
- Two counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
- Property Obtained by Crime – over $5,000
Fadey Tannus of the City of Mississauga
- Five counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine, MDMA, Crystal Methamphetamine, Oxycodone and Clonazepam)
Phillip Chung of the City of Mississauga
- One count of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine).
Know the Signs
A drug poisoning is a medical emergency. Know the signs of a drug poisoning and call 9-1-1 right away:
- Difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
- Blue lips or nails
- Very small pupils
- Cold and clammy skin
- Dizziness and confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at.
Don't Run. Call 9-1-1.
Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) frontline officers, and other first responders in Halton, carry naloxone and we want to assist. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during a drug poisoning, including the person experiencing the poisoning. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Additional resources are also available on our website.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The accused people facing charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
