Durham police arrest 32 people following firearms investigation

Durham police said they arrested 32 people and filed nearly 200 charges as part of a multi-jurisdictional firearms investigation.

The six-month investigation, called “Project Burton,” targeted a criminal group that police called itself the 22-30. It was primarily active in northern Oshawa and trafficked firearms, but police said its criminal activities extended into British Columbia.

“The name 22-30 goes back to a double murder that took place in [Blvd Resto & Bar] on Simcoe St. N in Oshawa on June 25, 2022,” said Durham Region Police Chief Peter Moreira.

“The victims of this murder were Joshua Connell-Wong, also known as 22, and Jaheim Spence, also known as G-30. Investigators believe the name 22-30 is dedicated to them.”

According to Durham police, 16 illegal firearms were seized from the street during the police investigation. In addition, one kilogram of cocaine, one kilogram of fentanyl and approximately 80,000 Canadian dollars were seized.

Almost half of those arrested released on bail: Chief

Police say the 32 people face charges including arms trafficking, illegal possession of weapons, cocaine and fentanyl trafficking, and fraud over $5,000. Some of those arrested have been released on bail.

“Bail has been negotiated for 28 of the 32 people arrested,” Moreira said.

“Predictably, 13 of these individuals were subsequently released on bail. Not surprisingly, three of them are now wanted for breaching bail conditions… We are working diligently to locate these individuals.”

In response to questions from reporters, the police chief explained that it was not uncommon for people accused of weapons offenses to be later released on bail.

“23 percent of all arrests for weapons offenses [are] already released on bail,” he said.

“We are not the only jurisdiction facing this. I think every police chief has talked about it. Not only does this create constraints on police resources, but it also increases pressure on the entire justice system.”

According to police, the firearms seized during their investigation include handguns, rifles and assault rifles.

“Investigators have determined that eight of the handguns originating from the United States were illegally smuggled into Canada. One of the weapons had its serial number removed,” Moreira said.

Police said their investigation is ongoing and that arrest warrants remain for two people wanted on multiple charges, including illegal possession of a firearm, firearm trafficking and possession of a loaded firearm.