Durham Police Conclude Firearms Trafficking Investigation with 32 Arrests and 184 Charges
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has concluded an investigation named Project Burton, resulting in 32 arrests and 184 criminal charges. The investigation, which lasted nearly eight months, focused on illegal firearms possession and trafficking in Durham Region. The operation involved over 130 Tactical Support Officers from various police services, including the Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and Criminal Intelligence Services Ontario.
The investigation targeted a group known as '2230,' believed to be involved in illegal firearms trafficking, drug distribution, and fraud schemes. The group's activities extended beyond Durham Region to British Columbia. Officers seized 12 handguns, 3 long guns, a .22 caliber carbine semi-automatic rifle, seven prohibited devices, one kilogram of cocaine, one kilogram of fentanyl, and $80,000 in currency.
Among those arrested, 28 individuals were held for a bail hearing, with 13 released on their first court appearance. Three of those released are now wanted for breaching their release conditions. The police are seeking public assistance in locating two suspects, Isaiah Bailey-Bejamin, 23, and Sebastian Johnston, 19, both from Oshawa, who are wanted for multiple offences including weapons trafficking and fraud.
The charges against the individuals include unlawful possession of firearms, possession of prohibited devices, drug trafficking, and fraud. The investigation was initiated in response to the increasing number of illegal firearms being trafficked and used in crimes within the region.
