17 people charged following 18-month 'Project Champion' investigation into drug trafficking in Ottawa area
Seventeen people are facing charges following an 18-month investigation into the illegal drug trade operating in the Ottawa area.
The Ottawa Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) provided an update on the "Project Champion" investigation on Thursday, with 17 people facing a total of 149 criminal charges.
"Project Champion's mandate was to disrupt and arrest members of violent criminal networks focused on the illegal drug trade operating in the Ottawa area," Chief Eric Stubbs told reporters.
"These individuals came to our attention during criminal investigations that involved violent crimes, including homicides and shootings."
Officers with Homicide, Guns and Gangs, Street Crime and Intelligence units, "targeted criminal organizations responsible for cocaine and drug trafficking and street-level gun violence," police said.
Police seized 6.5 kilograms of cocaine and a small amount of crack cocaine, along with five guns during the investigation.
The Ottawa Police Service provided an update on the "Project Champion" investigation on Thursday, with 17 people facing a total of 149 criminal charges. (Katie Griffin/CTV News Ottawa)
The 149 charges vary by individual, with police saying the charges include attempted murder, drug trafficking, possession of weapons, assault and assault police.
"Police also laid multiple charges of participating in and/or supporting a criminal organization," police said in a media release. "These charges are significant and highlight the investigation's focus on individuals who planned, organized, and sustained criminal activities, often using violence to maintain control."
Police say 14 people have been arrested so far and that the results of the project should have an impact on violent crime.
"I think it's an opportunity for communities now maybe to take a bit of a breath, maybe reach out to their youth and all the programing that we're putting in place to direct individuals towards more positive behaviors and activities and things of that nature," said Ottawa Police Supt. Jamie Dunlop. "But it's also a lesson to say how long do we have until others maybe want to fill the void [of these groups]."
Ontario Provincial Police supported the Ottawa police investigation.
"The goal was far from simple; to disrupt this organized group's involvement in illegal narcotics in Ottawa and surrounding areas," said Det.-Insp. Mike Moore. "These issues often cross jurisdictional boundaries, making it essential for law enforcement agencies to share intelligence, resources and strategies."
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Ottawa Top Stories
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING Here's what will cost more in the 2025 City of Ottawa budget
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We are in for more terrorism, not less,' warns Canadian terror expert amid Syria's political chaos
The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime means the ticking time bomb of prisons holding thousands of suspected ISIS members in northeast Syria has become even more unstable, a Canadian terrorism expert warns.
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
Banks tell 2 Ontarians too much time has passed to cash decades-old cheque, GIC
Two Ontarians who recently found unclaimed money from decades-old investments were told by their banks there were no records of them in their systems.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
Missing 'lost Canadians' deadline creates 'unknowable' number of new citizens: feds
The federal government is asking an Ontario Superior Court for more time to pass citizenship legislation for the "lost Canadians," saying that without an extension an "unknowable" number of people would automatically become citizens next week.
Rescue group saves 11-year-old girl floating alone in the Mediterranean for days after shipwreck
An 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone was found floating in the Mediterranean Sea off Italy's southernmost island of Lampedusa, believed to be the only survivor of a shipwrecked migrant boat that had departed from the port of Sfax in Tunisia, a humanitarian group said Thursday.
Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post
Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.'
More than 60,000 customers without power in the Maritimes due to wet, windy storm
Tens of thousands of customers in the Maritimes woke up to no power Thursday morning and several schools are closed as a wet and windy storm makes its way through the region.
Air Canada to offer free Wi-Fi on flights for Aeroplan members, sponsored by Bell
Air Canada plans to offer free Wi-Fi to Aeroplan members aboard its flights starting next year, building on a partnership with telecom giant Bell that already gives passengers free text messaging capabilities.
Atlantic
-
More than 60,000 customers without power in the Maritimes due to wet, windy storm
Tens of thousands of customers in the Maritimes woke up to no power Thursday morning and several schools are closed as a wet and windy storm makes its way through the region.
-
Storm Watch: School closures, cancellations
Here is a list of school closures and cancellations for Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
Toronto
-
Banks tell 2 Ontarians too much time has passed to cash decades-old cheque, GIC
Two Ontarians who recently found unclaimed money from decades-old investments were told by their banks there were no records of them in their systems.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
-
Transport truck collision in Brampton sends 1 person to hospital
One person was taken to a trauma centre after a transport truck crashed into a ditch in Brampton overnight.
Montreal
-
Montreal restaurant forced to close after driver crashes into building
With the holidays fast approaching, one Montreal restaurant was forced to close its doors after a driver crashed into it on the weekend.
-
Montreal Canadiens' Gallagher, wife expecting baby
A tiny Timbit is on their way for Montreal Canadiens alternate captain and right winger Brendan Gallagher and his wife, Emma Fortin.
-
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador announcing energy deal, ending decades of strife
The premiers of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador are set to announce a resolution to an energy issue that has driven a wedge between the provinces for decades.
Northern Ontario
-
Sudbury police make big drug bust at apartment connected to assault suspect
As Sudbury police continue to investigate Tuesday's assault on Elm Street, a search of the apartment where some of the suspects were found uncovered $135,000 in drugs.
-
Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston
Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims.
-
Sudbury family celebrates liberation of their home country of Syria
A Syrian family living in Sudbury, Ont., is celebrating a significant political shift in their home country after rebels took over the government.
Windsor
-
Kingsville man dies after crash on Manning Road
Essex County OPP say Manning Road is closed after a crash involving a dump truck.
-
Windsor auto industry has bright future in 2025: Stellantis Canada president
Stellantis Canada President Jeff Hines was the keynote speaker at the 148th annual general meeting of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
-
Ont. woman whose father died in impaired driving collision warns others not to make same mistake
An Ontario woman whose father died in an impaired driving collision when she was a baby is urging people to think twice before getting behind the wheel while impaired, saying the decision can affect multiple generations.
London
-
Structure fire closes section of Dundas Street in London
Crews were called to the scene around 8:45 a.m. Thursday. There is no word on how the fire started or anybody was in the building at the time.
-
Road closures with deteriorating conditions
Police across the region are warning drivers of deteriorating road conditions and poor visibility as snow squalls move through the region.
-
Blizzards and snowsqualls to roll through the region today
Blizzard and snow squall warnings have rolled across much of southern Ontario – with up to 15 centimeters expected today, and blowing snow reducing visibility on roadways.
Kitchener
-
Storm Watch: Tracking today's closures and cancellations
Storm Watch is your destination for information about school closures, bus cancellations and road closures in Waterloo region, Guelph, Brantford and the surrounding area.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
-
140-pound dog strolls solo into Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont.
A furry, four-legged shopper was spotted in the aisles of a Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. on Sunday morning.
Barrie
-
Incoming squalls could total 80cm as buses cancelled around the region
Snow squall warning has forced the cancellation of school buses across central Ontario.
-
Blizzard and snow squall warnings issued with hazardous travel expected
Prepare for some wicked weather expected to hit the region on Wednesday, with heavy snowfall up to 80 centimetres possible and gusty winds creating dicey travel conditions.
-
Barrie council passes city's portion of 2025 budget
Barrie city council approved a 2 per cent increase to infrastructure spending.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeggers face 5.95 per cent property tax increase in budget
Winnipeggers will be paying more property taxes than expected next year.
-
Extreme cold to 'linger' in southern Manitoba: ECCC
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is warning Manitobans that the extreme cold will likely “linger” until Thursday night into Friday morning.
-
Freezing weather prompts school bus cancellations in Manitoba
As southern Manitoba experiences freezing cold temperatures on Thursday, some school divisions have opted to cancel school buses.
Calgary
-
Development application submitted for Calgary's Scotia Place
Calgary's new arena will face its final administrative hurdle at city hall on Thursday.
-
Alberta premier to announce border security plan in response to Trump tariff threat
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to announce the steps the province plans to take to shore up security at the Canada-United States border.
-
'Scared and confused': 9-year-old Calgary girl recalls terrifying experience being stuck in stolen vehicle
A Calgary girl who was sitting in her dad's vehicle when it was stolen on Monday night is speaking out about the horrifying experience, along with her father.
Edmonton
-
Alberta premier to announce border security plan in response to Trump tariff threat
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to announce the steps the province plans to take to shore up security at the Canada-United States border.
-
Accused in killing of apartment security guard have extensive criminal histories
A man and a woman charged in the killing of a security guard in Edmonton will spend Christmas and New Year's behind bars.
-
School bus driver ticketed after Jasper Avenue crash
A school bus driver was ticketed after a crash in downtown Edmonton on Wednesday.
Regina
-
Sask. extreme cold warnings enter second day with warm up forecasted
Much of central and southern Saskatchewan, including Regina and Saskatoon, remain under an extreme cold warning Thursday morning.
-
'A reasonable compromise': Council forgives Riders of over $1 million in unpaid rent
Regina City Council forgave the Saskatchewan Roughriders of more than $1 million in unpaid rent payments at their meeting Wednesday.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
Saskatoon
-
Historic University of Saskatchewan building slated for demolition
There is a building on the University of Saskatchewan campus that has been an eyesore for a few years, and now the historic building is slated for demolition. However, historians want campus officials to rethink the plan to get rid of it.
-
Sask. extreme cold warnings enter second day with warm up forecasted
Much of central and southern Saskatchewan, including Regina and Saskatoon, remain under an extreme cold warning Thursday morning.
-
Cold weather in Saskatchewan spurs furnace breakdowns, carbon monoxide concerns
The return of bitterly cold temperatures has first responders and HVAC technicians on stand-by, ready to respond to emergencies.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver's 'bitcoin friendly city' plan likely to hit provincial roadblocks
Vancouver city council passed a motion Wednesday to make the city “bitcoin friendly,” but it’s likely to meet provincial roadblocks.
-
'He's building community': Video of joyful Surrey school crossing guard goes viral
A video showcasing a well-liked Surrey school crossing guard has been viewed tens of thousands of times on social media.
-
What's with all the lane closures in Vancouver? Officials say city in 'renewal' period
Getting stuck in traffic has become a daily routine for many Vancouverites and commuters.
Vancouver Island
-
Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island
Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device.
-
Bank of Canada interest rate drop good news for mortgage holders
A major cut to the Bank of Canada’s key interest comes as welcome news to realtors and those holding variable rate mortgages – but it also signals a growing sense of uncertainty about the broader Canadian economy.
-
No Santa, no Rudolph: B.C. mother questions lyric changes for son's school concert
A Saanich, B.C., mom is questioning why her son came home from school with the words “Santa,” “Rudolph” and “Christmas” crossed out on a lyric sheet for his winter concert.
Kelowna
-
Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas
A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas.
-
Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026
The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday.
-
545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down
Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day.
