Gun and drug bust in and around the GTA leads to 10 arrests
Two suspects are still sought in Project Venture, which allegedly saw 12 firearms and $300k in drugs seized
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Ten people were arrested and two others are sought after a cache of guns and drugs were seized during searches of more than a dozen residences in and around the GTA.
Durham Regional Police say the Drug Enforcement Unit launched an investigation dubbed Project Venture in November 2024 – an operation that involved assistance from Toronto Police, Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Peterborough Police, Peel Regional Police, Waterloo Regional Police and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario.
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Project Venture culminated in the execution of 16 search warrants in Durham, Toronto and Waterloo on May 2, police said in a statement released Thursday.
“Investigators seized several items, including 12 firearms, more than three kilograms of cocaine, a large quantity of other narcotics and more than $100,000 in cash,” police alleged, adding the drugs have a street value of more than 300,000.
“A 2024 Volkswagen Atlas was also seized as property related to the offence,” police said. “Several individuals at these residences were also arrested and charged.”
Police said a total of 112 criminal charges have been laid so far against the 10 accused.
Charged with an assortment of related offences are Devonte Black-Marriott, 27, of Pickering, Muhammad Lila, 25, of Scarborough, Isaac Hinton, 26, of Toronto, Kyle Hinton, 32, of Toronto, Jermaine Russell, 40, of Toronto, Dalton Gilmore, 30, of Pickering, Jason Campbell, 42, of Waterloo, Uzair Malek, 31, of Toronto, Scott Young, 58, of Toronto, and Percy Noray, 56, of Toronto.
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Investigators have been in contact with one of the two men still sought – Andra Rennie, 44, of Brampton, who is wanted on three counts of storing a firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations.
But cops are appealing to the public for help tracking down the second suspect.
Dexter Taylor-Bailey, 33, of Mississauga, is wanted for possession of a restricted firearm knowingly not holding a licence, possession of a loaded restricted firearm, two counts of possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5000, two counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a schedule IV substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Taylor-Bailey, or who has any information about this investigation, is urged to call the Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5800, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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