Estimated Street Value = $6.5 Million
(WINDSOR, ON) -A drug trafficking investigation in the City of Windsor has led to the largest fentanyl seizure ever made by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Forty-six kilograms of suspected fentanyl have been seized, and two individuals are facing numerous Criminal Code (CC)and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) charges.
The initial investigation began in the fall of 2024. The OPP’s Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) and the Windsor Police Service (WPS) identified two primary members of a drug trafficking network – both with ties to known criminal organizations. The OPP PGNG and WPS then furthered the investigation, known as Project ROTHERHAM, leading to the record-breaking seizure of fentanyl.
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, three residential search warrants and three search warrants on vehicles were executed in Windsor by members from:
- OPP PGNG
- WPS Drugs and Gun Unit
- Border Enforcement Security Task Force
- Essex County OPP Community Street Crime Unit
- Essex County OPP Detachment
- OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP and WPS Canine Units
Evidence gathered through these search warrants led to the execution of another warrant at a residence in Windsor.
As a result of the investigation, the following items with approximate quantities were seized:
- 46 kg suspected fentanyl
- 3.4 kg suspected cocaine
- 1 kg suspected heroin
- Two loaded firearms and ammunition
- 4,500 hydromorphone tablets
- 190 oxycodone tablets
- 360 morphine tablets
- 470 benzodiazepine tablets
- 35 amphetamine tablets
- Over 181 kg caffeine, often used as a cutting agent when processing illicit drugs
- A collapsable baton
- Body armour
- Master key vehicle programmer and blank keys
- More than $170,000 CAD currency
- $220 US currency
- High-end jewellery
- 24 cell phones
- Digital scales and other drug paraphernalia
The estimated street-value of the drugs seized is $6.5 million.
Illicit fentanyl can be imported from other source countries or domestically produced with precursor chemicals in clandestine laboratories. The investigation into the source of the illicit fentanyl in Project ROTHERHAM is ongoing. The fentanyl seized was enough for approximately 460,000 street-level doses – an amount capable of taking the lives of a moderately sized city. This is based on a dose of one point (0.1 grams) of fentanyl. Analysis shows the fentanyl seized through this investigation had been mixed and cut with other substances and was not pure fentanyl, meaning it varied in potency, which has been taken into consideration when estimating street-level doses.
RESOURCES
Media resources including b-roll video clips, evidence photos and a graphic can be found within the Project ROTHERHAM Media Kit. Information on the accused and their respective charges are included in the attached Addendum of Charged Persons.
QUOTES
“Fentanyl is a national enforcement priority. We are working with our partners across Ontario, and beyond, to stop the flow of this deadly drug into the communities we serve. The seizure of more than 20 cellular devices in this investigation highlights the need to urgently address dated lawful access legislation to protect Canadians from criminal networks trafficking fentanyl. We will continue to lead, to collaborate, and to take enforcement action against those who threaten the safety of our communities. Project ROTHERHAM is a clear example of what we can accomplish when we work together.” – OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique
“Just months ago, the OPP announced the largest seizure of fentanyl in our history. Today, Project ROTHERHAM surpasses that seizure by several kilograms. The prevalence of this dangerous drug is a public safety issue that law enforcement takes seriously, and we will work together across jurisdictions, across provincial borders and even international borders, to dismantle and disrupt those who choose to engage in trafficking this deadly drug. We are united in our enforcement efforts.” – OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, OCEB.
“This operation has a direct impact on the City of Windsor. Removing this volume of fentanyl from our streets saves lives. It’s a powerful example of what we can achieve through strong partnerships – locally and provincially. Together, we are protecting our communities and sending a strong message: drug traffickers will be held accountable.” – WPS Deputy Chief Jason Crowley
PGNG MANDATE
The OPP-led PGNG is dedicated to disrupting criminal street gang activity through intelligence-led, multijurisdictional drug trafficking investigations and reducing the number of illegal firearms in the province of Ontario. The PGNG is comprised of members from 20 police services in both Ontario and Quebec including Windsor Police Service, London Police Service, Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
