Advertisement 1

Man, 26, sought in York Region gun trafficking investigation dubbed Project Lookout

Cops warn the suspect should be 'considered armed and dangerous'

Article content

A warning has been issued for the public to be on the ‘Lookout’ for a Toronto man who is wanted for alleged gun possession and weapons trafficking.

York Regional Police say the suspect — sought ongoing in connection with an ongoing investigation dubbed Project Lookout — should be considered armed and dangerous.

Article content
Article content

Lucas Justin Afework, 26, is wanted for three counts of weapons trafficking, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, and one count of unauthorized possession of a prohibited device.

“Police have been unable to locate him and a warrant has been issued for his arrest,” Const. Lisa Moskaluk said in a statement released Wednesday. “If seen, citizens are urged not to approach him but to call police immediately.”

Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Article content
Loading...
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Investigators have released an image of Afework hoping the public can help them locate the suspect.

“The accused is encouraged to seek legal advice and turn himself in,” Moskaluk said, adding that anyone helping Afework evade police may also face criminal charges.

Cops revealed details of Project Lookout – an investigation into a large-scale gun and drug trafficking network operating within York Region – at a news conference on June 19.

This is just one of the firearms seized after the 14-month-long joint forces investigation known as Project Lookout that led to 20 arrests, 300 charges and the dismantling of a major guns and drugs trafficking network in the south region of York.
This is just one of the firearms seized after the 14-month-long joint forces investigation known as Project Lookout that led to 20 arrests, 300 charges and the dismantling of a major guns and drugs trafficking network in the south region of York. Photo by Handout /York Regional Police

So far, police say 20 arrests have been made and nearly 300 charges laid in connection with this “ongoing” investigation, which was launched in April 2023.

Investigators have also seized 18 firearms; more than $2.5 million worth of cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, Xanax and oxycodone; $244,335 in cash; four vehicles; and luxury watches valued at $255,000 that are considered proceeds of crime.

Read More
  1. Project Breakdown led to the seizure of various guns, ammunition and drugs when investigators executed search warrants in Oxford County, Brant County, Haldimand County and Hamilton on June 25, 2024.
    Halton cops 'Breakdown' alleged gun, drug trafficking network
  2. A suspected One Order MC member faces charges after the OPP-led Biker Enforcement Unit allegedly seized two firearms, ammunition and motorcycle club vests while executing a search warrant in Toronto on June 21, 2024.
    Alleged One Order Motorcycle Club member faces gun charges
  3. Durham Regional Police logo.
    Chauffeur's ride stolen at gunpoint in Pickering

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

cdoucette@postmedia.com

@sundoucette

Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Page was generated in 0.30103492736816