Record Cocaine Seizure in Toronto, Canada Tied to CJNG & Outlaws MC

“Socalj” for Borderland Beat

A five-month investigation in Canada has resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in Toronto Police Service’s history. Over 835 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $83 million was seized during Project Castillo that started in August 2024.

Officers discovered 475 kilos of cocaine concealed in a semi-truck container. The remaining drugs were seized after police executed warrants at stash houses belonging to the network.

The truck and its cargo were part of a larger transnational drug trafficking operation originating in Mexico. Chief Myron Demkiw said the drugs seized have ties to the CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel).

“We know these drugs travelled all the way from Mexico over the United States’ southern border and then made their way here to Canada,” said Demkiw, “where we stopped and seized them.

Project Castillo

“This investigation required months of effort,” he said. “I can tell you that getting 835 kilograms of cocaine off our streets will make a huge difference for the well-being of our communities.

“And not only our communities in Toronto but across the country, as we know that some of these drugs were destined for other regions, from Newfoundland to British Columbia. When we get illicit drugs off our streets, we literally save lives. We protect people, we prevent violence and we break up criminal networks. This will always be our top priority.”

The project began in August 2024 and was led by the Toronto Police Service Drug Squad – Major Projects, with assistance from York Regional Police, the Canada Border Services Agency, and the RCMP Windsor Border Integrity Unit.

After the seizure, MacIntyre said the street price of cocaine in Canada surged by nearly 20%, signaling a direct impact on the distribution networks.

“The reduced accessibility means fewer opportunities for these drugs to enter and infiltrate vulnerable communities,” he pointed out. “As you know, the illicit drug supply fuels Canada’s ongoing public health crisis. Each kilogram of cocaine removed from our streets represents lives potentially saved from overdose.

Organized Crime Enforcement Superintendent Paul MacIntrye said a seizure of this magnitude cannot be understated.

“It represents a blow to organized crime and a meaningful step in protecting the safety and well-being of not only Toronto’s residents, but communities across Canada,” he noted. “Illicit drugs, like cocaine, are not simply commodities for criminal enterprises. They are drivers of violence, addiction and tragedy in our communities. By removing over 835 kilograms of cocaine from circulation, we have directly disrupted the supply chain and created a ripple effect.”

Arrests

A total of six individuals, including four Canadians and two Mexican nationals who entered Canada legally as visitors have been arrested. Police allege the six people arrested are “high-level” drug distributors.

The four Canadians arrested for trafficking included Marlon Matthews, Omar Fair, Kevin Figueiredo and 20-year old Adriana Alexandra Jiron Zeledon.

Jorge Luis Mundo Garcia and Jimenez Avila Rodolfo, both Mexican nationals visiting the country were arrested and charged with possession of the cocaine for trafficking as well has having less than $5000 on them related to their trafficking trip.

Wanted Fugitives

Arrest warrants have been issued for 60-year-old Robert Nolin of Niagara Falls who police believe is in Canada and Alexis Arroyo and Marco Riviera, both 31, who are thought to be in Mexico.

Marco Rivera, believed to be in Mexico.

Alexis Arroyo, believed to be in Mexico.

Robert Nolin of Niagara Falls.

Robert Nolin, 60, has been arrested before in 2022 in connection with drug trafficking for the Outlaws MC Canada. During a 2022 raid on an Outlaw MC clubhouse in Niagara, Nolin and another man were arrested. Police said the raids on the clubhouse and two other locations uncovered 159 grams of cocaine, over $20,000 in cash, a illegal knife, a taser and two pairs of brass knuckles.

The Outlaws are the oldest OMG (Outlaw Motorcycle Gang) having been around since the 1930s. The Outlaws were the first US based club to expand into Canada, patching over the Satan’s Choice MC in the late 1970s. This sparked the First Biker War in Canada as the Hells Angels sought to curb the Outlaws by patching over Canadian clubs including Popeye MC and Montreal Rockers.

Sources TPS, TPS, CFRA, CKTB

Categories: Canada, CJNG, motorcycle club