Largest Cocaine Seizure in Peel Police History: Project Pelican Yields 479kg of Drugs and 9 Arrests

Strategic Insights -

A year-long investigation into a group of alleged drug traffickers who used commercial trucks to smuggle cocaine across the U.S. border into Canada has led to the largest drug seizure in Peel Police history. The probe, dubbed Project Pelican, resulted in the arrest of nine individuals and the seizure of nearly 500 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $47.9 million. The investigation involved collaboration with national and international law enforcement partners, including the RCMP, DEA, and CBSA.

Key Takeaways:

  • The investigation, dubbed Project Pelican, led to the largest drug seizure in Peel Police history, with 479 kilograms of cocaine seized.
  • The suspected drug traffickers used commercial trucks to smuggle cocaine across the U.S. border into Canada.
  • The probe involved collaboration with national and international law enforcement partners, including the RCMP, DEA, and CBSA.
  • The investigation was launched in June 2024 after police identified a group of individuals using commercial trucking to bring illegal drugs across the border.
  • The project received funding from the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO) in November 2024.
  • Investigators liaised with national and international law enforcement partners, including the RCMP, DEA, and CBSA, to facilitate arrests and seizures.
  • Two semi-automatic firearms were recovered during the investigation.
  • Nine suspects were arrested in connection with the investigation, facing a combined 35 criminal charges.
  • The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated to be $47.9 million.

Statistics:

  • 479 kilograms of cocaine was seized during the investigation.
  • The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated to be $47.9 million.
  • 127 kilograms of cocaine was found hidden in the trailer of a commercial truck stopped at the Ambassador Bridge on February 11, 2025.
  • 50 kilograms of cocaine was found hidden in the trailer of a commercial truck stopped at the Blue Water Bridge on May 24, 2025.
  • Two semi-automatic firearms were recovered during the investigation.
  • Nine suspects were arrested in connection with the investigation.
  • The investigation involved collaboration with national and international law enforcement partners, including the RCMP, DEA, and CBSA.

Sources:

  • CTV News (2025, February 11) - Interview with Det.-Sgt. Earl Scott
  • CTV News (2025, May 24) - Investigation update
  • CTV News (2025, June 6) - Operation Pelican results in arrests and seizures
  • Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO) - Funding provided to Project Pelican
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - Collaboration with Peel Regional Police on Project Pelican
  • U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) - Collaboration with Peel Regional Police on Project Pelican
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Collaboration with Peel Regional Police on Project Pelican
  • Peel Regional Police - Project Pelican results and statistics