Yearlong Investigation into International Drug Trafficking based in Southern Ontario leads to multiple arrests and searches.
In late 2013 members of the Niagara Regional Police Special Investigation Support Unit began an investigation into the activities of an International Drug trafficking organization based in the Niagara and Peel Regions of Southern Ontario. The investigation was expanded in February 2014 and the Niagara Regional Police partnered with Canada Border Services Agency, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Serious and Organized Crime Section and Financial Crime Sections in Hamilton, London and Toronto and the Peel Regional Police Services. The investigation became known as Project Roadmaster.
The investigation uncovered evidence of Cocaine Importation and trafficking, Money Laundering and Participating in a Criminal Organization.
In the early morning hours of September 22, 2014, approximately 200 officers from across Ontario assisted Project Roadmaster in executing 30 search and arrest warrants in several areas of Southern Ontario. The assisting agencies included the Barrie Police Service, The South Simcoe Police Service, OPP, RCMP, Peel Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service and the Canada Border Services Agency.
As a result of this operation an initial total of 13 Southern Ontario residents along with one Mexican resident have been arrested for various criminal offences including Narcotic offences, Conspiracies, and Criminal Organization related offences. This investigation is ongoing and it is anticipated more charges will result from today’s operation.
Update. #1
As a result of the arrest and searches conducted on September 22 , 2014. The following persons are charged with the listed offences.
Vito BUFFONE. 50 years of Caledon, Ontario
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
– Trafficking Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Import Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking x2
– Importing Cocaine
– Money laundering
– Possession of the proceeds of Crime
– Commit an offence Related to a Criminal Organization x 3
Jeffrey KOMPON 43 years of Welland, Ontario
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
– Trafficking Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Import Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking x2
– Importing Cocaine
– Commit an offence Related to a Criminal Organization x 3
Raul BULHOSEN. 42 years of Mississauga, Ontario
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
– Trafficking Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Import Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking x2
– Importing Cocaine
– Money laundering
– Possession of the proceeds of Crime
– Commit an offence Related to a Criminal Organization x 3
Borja VILALTA-CASTELLANOS. 29 years of Toronto, Ontario
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
– Trafficking Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Import Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking x2
– Importing Cocaine
– Money laundering
– Possession of the proceeds of Crime
Marco CIPOLLONE. 38 years of Toronto, Ontario
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
– Trafficking Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Import Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking x2
– Importing Cocaine
– Money laundering
– Possession of the proceeds of Crime
– Commit an offence Related to a Criminal Organization x 3
– Possession of the Proceeds of Crime Under $5000
– Possession of Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking
John Edward OLIVER. 67 years of Toronto, Ontario
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
– Trafficking Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking
– Commit an offence Related to a Criminal Organization
– Careless Storage of a Firearm x 3
– Possession of a Unrestricted Firearm x 2
– Possession of a Restricted Firearm
Dean BRENNAN. 38 years of Toronto, Ontario
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
– Trafficking Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking
– Commit an offence Related to a Criminal Organization
Victor LUCERO. 40 years of Innisfil, Ontario
– Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
Laurence AIELLO. 61 years of Fort Eire, Ontario
– Conspiracy to Import Cocaine
Guy CAPUTO. 69 years of Fonthill, Ontario
– Trafficking Cocaine
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
– Conspiracy to Import Cocaine
– Commit an offence Related to a Criminal Organization
– Possession of the Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
Herman JONES. 45 years of Brampton, Ontario
– Participate in a Criminal Organisation
Raul OCAMPO. 32 years of Toronto, Ontario
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
– Trafficking Cocaine
– Obstruct Peace Officer
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
– Possession of Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking
Jamie Ortiz 29 years of Mexico City, Mexico
– Conspiracy to Import Cocaine
– Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking
– Importing Cocaine
Patricia PINKERTON. 29 years of Toronto, Ontario
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
– Possession of Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking
The accused will remain in custody pending a St Catharines Bail Court appearance.
Analysis of the evidence seized on this date will continue through the coming days. The media will be updated when the examination is complete. Further charges are anticipated.
This investigation has had a significant impact on the Cocaine trafficking and the associated Organized crime groups in Southern Ontario. Investigations such as this are further proof of the Niagara Regional Police Service and their partner’s commitment to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics and dismantle the existence of Criminal Organizations in this Region and elsewhere in Southern Ontario.
Source: NRP
