Halton cops 'Breakdown' alleged gun, drug trafficking network

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A five-month investigation in Southwestern Ontario has led to the seizure of an assortment of firearms, ammunition and drugs.

And Halton Regional Police say nearly 80 charges have been laid against four suspects as a result of Project Breakdown.

The probe was launched in February in an effort to target a suspected fentanyl and firearms trafficking network operating in Halton Region, Hamilton and Southwestern Ontario.

With assistance from Ontario Provincial Police, Brantford Police and Hamilton Police, Halton cops say nine search warrants were executed in Oxford County, Brant County, Haldimand County and Hamilton on June 25.

As a result, investigators allegedly seized a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun with an extended magazine containing 22 rounds of ammunition, a 9 mm Taurus handgun with 16 rounds of ammunition, a Canuck pump-action shotgun with 19 rounds of ammunition, a Remington 870 pump-action shotgun, a Remington sawed-off shotgun with 12 shotgun shells, a Black Savage .22 caliber long gun with two fully-loaded high-capacity magazines containing 62 rounds of ammunition, a Weatherby Vanguard .257 caliber long gun, more than 1,800 rounds of various ammunition, a 3D printed handgun receiver, more than half a kilogram of fentanyl, 11 ounces of cocaine, and approximately 100 Xanax tablets.

Four people have been charged with a slew of firearm offences, drug and firearms trafficking, and armed robbery with a firearm.

The accused are Rahim Redha, 21, of Caledonia, Ibrahim Redha, 44, of Norwich, Seth Roswell, 24, of Scotland, Ont., and Layla Vargas, 20, of Brampton.

Police say more arrests and charges are anticipated.

“The trafficking of illicit substances, particularly fentanyl, into our community is related to the rise in drug poisonings which we know can lead to tragic outcomes,” Det.-Sgt. Ron Wright, of the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau, said in a statement released Wednesday. “Similarly, trafficking and possessing firearms is a direct threat to public safety.”

“The results of Project Breakdown clearly demonstrate our commitment to collaborate and hold those who partake in these criminal acts accountable,” he added, before commending “everyone involved” in the investigation for their “diligent work” and “impressive results.”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call police at 905-825-4747, ext. 5331, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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