Project Bengal: Community Complaint Leads to Arrests, Recovered Stolen Property
Region of Peel – Officers from the 11 Division Community Incident Response Team (CIRT) have arrested and charged multiple individuals after conducting search warrants at residences in Mississauga.
Project Bengal was a four-month drug and stolen property investigation led by CIRT, which originated following a community complaint reporting suspected drug trafficking activity in the Meadowvale area. The investigation revealed an organized crime group involved in both drug trafficking and targeting commercial retail businesses.
The group was allegedly stealing high-demand baby product, such as baby formula and vitamins, from local retailers and exchanging them for drugs. Through the use of surveillance and investigative techniques, including security footage provided by community partners like Rexall, officers were able to identify key suspects and connect a series of related incidents.
As a result, two primary properties were identified; one used for storing stolen products and the other as a location where drugs were being consumed. This intelligence led to the execution of simultaneous search warrants at both locations.
During the searches, officers seized over half a kilogram of cocaine and a variety of other illicit narcotics, along with a significant amount of stolen property and proceeds of crime. Retail victims of the stolen goods were identified, and approximately $30,000 worth of merchandise was recovered and returned.
As a result, 11 individuals have been arrested and charged for offences related to drugs and stolen property. For a complete list of arrests, charges and arrest warrants, please see the attachment that follows this release.
CIRT is a specialized unit within Peel Regional Police that responds to community concerns through targeted enforcement. Its objectives are to increase police presence in the community, reduce the workload on front-line officers and address specific enforcement priorities identified through engagement and intelligence.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact investigators with the 11 Division Community Incident Response Team at 905-453-2121 extension 1100. Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
QUICK FACTS
- 11 individuals arrested
- 33 criminal charges laid
- 15 arrest warrants executed
- Half kilogram of cocaine, along with other illicit drugs seized
- $30,000 of stolen property recovered and returned
- $34,250 Canadian Currency seized
QUOTE
“Complaints from the community, combined with increased police presence by our 11 Division Community Incident Response Team (CIRT), enabled the dismantling of an organized crime group targeting commercial retail businesses and trafficking drugs. This investigation demonstrates the power of collaboration, and the vital role community trust plays in keeping our neighbourhoods safe.”
- Deputy Chief Marc Andrews, Peel Regional Police
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MEDIA CONTACT
Media Relations Officer
Email: media.relations@peelpolice.ca
Phone: 905-453-2121, ext. 4027
Inc: PR250196693/PR250196697
N/R: 25-194
Peel Regional Police – A Safer Community Together
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