Durham police arrest 32 people after firearms investigation

Durham police say they have arrested 32 people and laid nearly 200 criminal charges in a multi-jurisdictional firearm investigation.

The six-month investigation, called Project Burton, targeted a criminal group that police say called themselves 22-30. It operated primarily in north Oshawa trafficking firearms, but police say their criminal activity spread as far as British Columbia. 

"The origin of the name 22-30 stems from a double homicide that occurred at the [Blvd Resto & Bar] on Simcoe St. N in Oshawa on June 25, 2022," said Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira.

"The victims of this homicide were Joshua Connell-Wong, also known as 22, and Jaheim Spence, also known as G-30. Investigators believe the name 22-30 is in dedication to them."

Through the police investigation, Durham police say 16 illegal firearms were taken off the streets. They also seized one kilogram of cocaine, one kilogram of fentanyl and about $80,000 in Canadian currency.

Nearly half of those arrested released on bail: chief

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

"Out of the 32 individuals arrested, 28 were held for bail hearings," Moreira said. 

"Predictably, 13 of those individuals were subsequently released on bail. Unsurprisingly, three are now wanted for breaching their bail conditions ... We are working hard to locate these individuals."

Answering questions from reporters, the police chief noted it's not uncommon for people they charge with gun crimes to later be released on bail. 

"Twenty-three per cent of everybody we arrest from firearms offences [are] already out on bail," he said.

"We're not the only jurisdiction facing this. I think every police leader has spoken about this. This poses not only constraints on police resources, but it adds more pressure to the entire justice system."

The firearms seized by police through the investigation range from handguns to rifles and assault rifles, say police.

"Investigators have determined that eight of the handguns that came from the U.S. were illegally smuggled into Canada. One of the handguns had the serial number removed," said Moreira.

Police say their investigation continues, with arrest warrants still out for two people wanted for multiple offences including unauthorized possession of a firearm, weapons trafficking and possession of a loaded firearm.