DROP THE HAMMER: Three GTA men busted, four more sought in drug and break-in probe

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Three GTA men face charges and four others are sought as cops drop the hammer on a crew of alleged drug traffickers thought to be responsible for a string of break-ins.

Toronto Police say the investigation – dubbed Project Sledgehammer – also led to the seizure of about 5.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin, with an approximate street value of $140,000, and approximately $20,000 in cash.

Officers from the 22 Division Major Crime Unit (MCU) attended a call for a break-and-enter in the area of Dundas St. W. and Islington Ave. around 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2024, Const. Ashley Visser said in a statement released Saturday.

“It is alleged that suspects broke into a residential apartment by damaging the front door with a sledge hammer,” she said.

However, Visser said no property was taken in the incident and the bandits fled the area.

“Residents were in the unit at the time but there were no reported injuries,” she explained.

Two days later, around 7:30 p.m., Visser said 22 Division MCU officers attended another break-and-enter in the same area.

“It is further alleged that suspects broke into a residential unit using a crowbar,” she said. “Officers attended and arrested one of the suspects.”

Two others fled the scene and nothing was obtained, Visser added.

Officers executed a search warrant later that day – Dec. 3, 2024 – in the area of Dundas St. W. and Islington Ave.

“It is further alleged that officers located and seized approximately 5.5 kilos of methamphetamines and heroin and drug production tools,” Visser said.

More search warrants were executed across the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal between Dec. 6, 2024, and Feb. 4, 2025.

“It is further alleged that during the execution of the search warrants, officers located approximately $20,000 in Canadian currency, additional drugs and drug paraphernalia, as well as break-in tools,” Visser said.

Alden O’Neil Nunes, 45, of Whitby, was arrested in Toronto on Dec. 3, 2024.

He’s charged with break-and-enter with intent; possession of a break-and-enter Instrument; three counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking; and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime not exceeding $5,000.

Inderdip Singh Sahota, 36, of Brampton, was arrested in York Region on Dec. 12, 2024.

He’s charged with four counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking; possession of tools for use in the production of trafficking a schedule I substance; and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000.

Shivansh Sharma, 34, of Kleinburg, was arrested in Montreal on Feb. 2, 2025.

He’s charged with three counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking; and possession of tools for use in the production of trafficking a schedule I substance.

Investigators have released images of four outstanding suspects hoping the public can help identify them.

The first man is described as 20 to 30 years old, 5-foot-7, with a medium build. He was wearing black Nike running shoes, black Nike sweatpants and black Nike running shoes.

The second man is described as 30 to 40 years old, 5-foot-10, with a heavy build. He was wearing beige shoes, olive green cargo pants, a black leather jacket, a grey and white camouflage hat, white face mask and black gloves.

The third man is described as 20 to 30 years old, 5-foot-6, with a thin build. He was wearing black Nike running shoes, black pants and a black hooded Roots sweater.

The fourth man is described as 20 to 30 years old, 5-foot-10, with a heavy build. He was wearing white running shoes, black pants and a black hooded Helmut Lang sweater.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Visser said.

Anyone with information regarding Project Sledgehammer is urged to call investigators at 416-808-2200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

cdoucette@postmedia.com

@sundoucette