(ESSEX COUNTY, ON) – Several Ontario residents face charges following a lengthy investigation involving in illegal drug trafficking, bookmaking and gambling operations.
Based on information linked to previous Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) investigations in the Greater Toronto Area, Project HELENSBURGH took on another organized crime group in the Windsor area. This group is suspected of conducting illegal online gambling, bookmaking, and illicit drug distribution. On March 6, 2014, police executed nine (9) search warrants at five residences and four vehicles in the Windsor area as well as locations in the Town of Amherstburg and the City of London.
At a news conference today, OPP Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod and Superintendent John St. Louis of the Windsor Police Service revealed details of Project HELENSBURGH.
Project HELENSBURGH was conducted in partnership with the Windsor Police Service. Members of the OPP Organized Crime Team, Windsor Police and the London Police Service Emergency Service Unit assisted with executing the warrants. During the investigation, police seized one kilogram (2.25 pounds) of cocaine worth approximately $50,000, 16 kilograms (31 pounds) of marihuana worth approximately $77,500, two (2) prohibited weapons (one handgun and brass knuckles), $6,000 in cash, $45,000 worth of jewellery, and two (2) vehicles as proceeds of crime.
Eleven (11) people ranging in age from 21-43 years have been charged with 43 offences -- 17 charges relating to illegal gambling , 17 Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) charges, three (3) counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, three (3) counts of Extortion with Violence, two (2) Prohibited Weapons offences and one other Criminal Code offence. (See PROJECT HELENSBURGH -- ADDENDUM OF CHARGED PERSONS attached).
All of the accused persons are expected to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor at various times and dates. The investigation continues. Sang NGUYEN Age 38 Windsor, ON
Charges: • Engage in Book-Making • Record a Bet • Possess Money related to Bookmaking • Provide Betting Information related to Sports • Did send, transmit or deliver messages by telephone that convey information relating to betting • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Bail Hearing - TBD Windsor
Anthony AMANTE Age 22 Windsor, ON
Charges: • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking • Conspiracy to Traffick Cocaine • Counsel Suicide • Extortion with Violation (x3) • Drive Disqualified • Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana • Engage in Book-Making • Record a Bet • Possess Money related to Bookmaking • Provide Betting Information related to Sports • Did send, transmit or deliver messages by telephone that convey information relating to betting • Possession of a Narcotic Bail Hearing - 07 Mar 14 Windsor
Adam WRAY Age 23 Lasalle, ON
Charges: • Conspiracy to Traffick Cocaine • Trafficking Cannabis Marihuana • Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana Bail Hearing -TBD Windsor
Brooke DOYLE Age 25 London, ON
Charges: • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime • Possession of a Narcotic Bail Hearing TBD Windsor
Frank MOLLE Age 24 Windsor, ON
• Conspiracy to Traffick Cocaine
• Possession of Prohibited Weapon
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Narcotic Bail Hearing - TBD Windsor Kevin LAUZON 30 Windsor, ON
• Conspiracy to Traffick Cocaine
Bail Hearing TBD - Windsor
Marc MIREAULT Age 33 Amherstburg, ON
• Trafficking Cannabis Marihuana • Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana • Possession of a Narcotic Bail Hearing -TBD Windsor Matthew ATHANASOPOULOS Age 21 Lasalle, ON
• Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana • Trafficking Marihuana Bail Hearing TBD Windsor
Tyler Peter WASILEFF Age 41 Windsor, ON
• Engage in Book-Making • Record a Bet • Possess Money related to Bookmaking • Provide Betting Information related to Sports • Did send, transmit or deliver messages by telephone that convey information relating to betting • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Bail Hearing Windsor
Kyle GREENING 23 Windsor, ON
• Conspiracy to Traffick Cannabis Marihuana • Possession of Prohibited Weapon • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Narcotic Bail Hearing TBD Windsor
Adam ZAROD 43 Windsor, ON
• Engage in Book-Making • Send, transmit or deliver messages by telephone that convey information relating to betting Bail Hearing TBD Windsor
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