Toronto Police execute largest drug bust in service's history

Toronto Police say they have arrested 20 suspects and seized over $61 million worth of drugs after discovering an elaborate conspiracy involving trap doors installed in the cabs of 18 wheelers and other cars. In a press conference Tuesday, Chief James Ramer said that the hidden compartments were advanced enough to defeat X-Ray technology at the border.

Toronto Police said they have seized 444 kilograms of cocaine, 157 kilograms of crystal meth, 427 kilograms of marijuana and 300 oxycodone pills. Police also seized $966,000 in cash and five tractor-trailers with several other vehicles including a Mercedes G-Wagon.

Police across the country executed 35 search warrants in Toronto and the GTA, Sarnia, London, Guelph, Kitchener, Montreal, Halifax, Surrey, Calgary and Winnipeg. Toronto Police say the investigation was completed with the help of the RCMP, OPP, York Regional Police, Montreal police and a number of provincial and federal agencies.

The six-month investigation, dubbed "Project Brisa," began in late November and concluded in May. "Throughout the project, investigators identified a person known as the 'Trap Maker.' This man was allegedly responsible for building hidden compartments within the tractor-trailers for the purposes of smuggling large amounts of contraband across borders. Jason Hall, 43, of Surrey, British Columbia, also known as the 'Trap Maker,' turned himself into police."

Police say there are still two suspects on the run and wanted by police. Scott McManus, 38,  is wanted for  two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, importation of a schedule I substance, three counts of participate in a criminal organization, commit an offence for the benefit of a criminal organization, possession for the purpose of trafficking schedule I substance. William Nhan, 23, has warrants for two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking schedule I substance, traffic in a schedule I substance, commit an offence for the benefit of a criminal organization, participate in a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit and indictable offence. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com.