Quebec police arrest 10 in alleged cross-province firearm, drug trafficking ring
Montreal police carried out several arrests Wednesday morning as officers dismantled what they claim to be a major arms and drug trafficking network between Montreal and Toronto.
"Those guys were going to Toronto once a week," said Anti-Gang Unit Commander Francis Renaud during a morning press conference.
"They were bringing money over there and they were purchasing drugs and firearms that were brough back here."
Police say they arrested 10 people suspected of being involved in the network in Montreal, Laval, Mirabel, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines and Richmond Hill in Ontario.
"The dismantled network was controlled from Montreal," read a release from police. "The members of the network allegedly acted as suppliers to certain criminal groups."
Police seized this AR-15 assault rifle after carrying out a series of searches connected to a weapons trafficking network in Quebec and Ontario. (Source: Montreal police)
The arrested suspects are expected to face several charges related to drug possession and trafficking. Five of them will also be charged with possession of weapons for the purpose of trafficking, police say.
It’s the second phase of the "AUXO" investigation into alleged trafficking networks which saw guns and drugs being sold from Toronto to clients in Montreal and the surrounding area.
Raids conducted in June recovered eight handguns, an AR-15 assault rifle, cocaine quantities totalling $2.1 million, $1.3 million in cash, $1.1 million in meth, and nearly 170,000 fentanyl and metonitazene tablets.
The alleged leader of the network, who police claim to be 35-year-old Emmanuel Puthyra Roy, has not yet been arrested.
Montreal police (SPVM) are still searching for Emmanuel Puthyra Roy, 35, the alleged leader of the weapons and drug trafficking ring. (Source: SPVM)
If caught, he's expected to face several charges relating to drug trafficking and firearm possession for the purpose of trafficking.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.