Investigators with the York Regional Police Complex Investigations Unit, in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have charged six suspects following Project Golden Frog, an investigation into the trafficking of cocaine in York Region and elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The investigation began in May 2026, when the CBSA intercepted and examined a shipment from Panama containing a large quantity of a substance believed to be cocaine. CBSA contacted York Regional Police, who continued the investigation.
Investigators linked the shipment to a suspect with ties to the City of Kitchener.
On June 11, 2026, three suspects were taken into custody and a search warrant was executed at a residence and a storage locker in the City of Kitchener. Investigators seized proceeds of crime, including $2.5 million in cash.
On June 17, 2026, additional search warrants were executed at a residence, a business and a storage locker in Kitchener.
Two additional suspects were taken into custody, and investigators seized a quantity of a substance believed to be cocaine, as well as additional currency.
On June 23, 2026, the final suspect was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
In total, investigators seized 260 kilograms of cocaine with an approximate street value of $20 million.
Video and photos of the seizure can be seen here: https://tinyurl.com/432crc84(external link)
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“Project Golden Frog is an excellent example of the strong partnership between York Regional Police and the Canada Border Services Agency,” said Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan.
“Through this collaborative investigation, a significant quantity of illegal drugs was prevented from reaching our streets. This seizure represents an important step in keeping our communities safe.”
“The CBSA safeguards Canada’s borders from the importation of illegal drugs and proceeds of crime, every day. Thanks to the CBSA’s Intelligence Team in the GTA, the Contraband Response Unit, the Detector Dog (K9) Service unit, our Border Services Officers and our collaboration with York Regional Police, we have prevented over a quarter tonne of cocaine from reaching our communities,” said Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, GTA Region.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Complex Investigations Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com(external link).
Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal(external link), or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.
(Press Release: York Regional Police, July 6, 2026)
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