Twenty arrests and the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana worth $61 million, in what Toronto police call the largest drug seizure in its history. This is the result of an investigation dubbed “Project Brisa” that lasted for six months focusing on an international drug-smuggling ring: over a thousand kilograms of drugs were transported to Canada from Mexico and California in the hidden compartments of trucks with modified trailers.

The results of the investigation were announced today during a press conference by Toronto Police Chief James Ramer along with representatives from the Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Montreal Police and Canada Border Services Agency. Ramen said the quantities of drugs seized are “frankly staggering.” “The social cost that this amount of illicit drugs inflicts upon society is immeasurable,” the Toronto Police chief said.

According to the investigators, the way in which drugs were concealed was very sophisticated: the detectives stated that the shipment of the drugs was possible thanks to the installation of hydraulic compartments in tractor-trailers, which were, in turn, able to smuggle 100 kilograms in a single trip. Not even X-ray scans were able to penetrate those traps, police say.

The drugs seized are 444 kilograms of cocaine, 157 kilograms of methamphetamine, 427 kilograms of marijuana and 300 oxycodone pills. 21 vehicles, including a Mercedes G-Wagon, 5 tractor-trailers and a Glock firearm were also seized. In addition to the drugs, $966,000 in cash was found.

Police said that during the investigation, they identified a person known as “Trap Maker,” allegedly responsible for building the hidden compartments. This is a 43-year-old British Columbia man who used this nickname and turned himself in to the police in Toronto last week, investigators say and has been charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and participating in a criminal organization.

Collectively 182 charges have been laid with 20 people arrested. Two people – Scott McManus, 38, and William Nhan, 23, both from Toronto – are still outstanding.

Photo: Toronto Police Chief James Ramer during the press conference