The York Regional Police seized nearly $2.5 million in drugs, along with cash, vehicles, and 18 firearms as part of a 14-month investigation targeting a "large-scale" arms and drug trafficking network.

Police said that 20 individuals have been charged in the investigation, which they named "Project Lookout," targeting a street gang known as the Haywan gang.

Richard Godette said at a press conference on Wednesday announcing the investigation's results, "The arrests and seizures made during the raid will save lives and significantly impact our community."

A Joint Forces Operation (JFO) was formed to investigate gang activity in April 2023.

Investigators from York, Toronto, Peel, Ontario, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) were part of the operation.

Godette stated, "This street gang originated in Toronto, but it is now believed to be involved in the trafficking of firearms and drugs in the southern part of the York Region. The team identified an elaborate criminal network that trafficked significant quantities of firearms and high-quality cocaine throughout the Greater Toronto Area."

As the operation evolved, investigators identified suspects allegedly supplying members and associates of the Haywan gang with firearms and high-quality cocaine, according to police. They said that the drugs were primarily trafficked in the city of Vaughan.

Coordinated search warrants involving over 200 police officers were executed at 33 locations across the Greater Toronto Area on June 5.

A total of 295 charges were laid against those arrested in the operation, including a range of weapons and drugs.

The seized drugs included 19.8 kilograms of cocaine, 4.8 kilograms of cannabis, and quantities of MDMA pills, Xanax, and oxycodone pills.

Godette said, "The cocaine seized during this investigation was also analyzed. It was found to be between 89 to 97 percent pure, indicating that the arrested suppliers are linked to the highest levels of organized crime cocaine importers. We believe these drugs were headed to street-level dealers who would cut these dangerous substances in our community with fillers to increase profits."

Investigators also seized $244,335 in Canadian currency, four vehicles, and luxury watches valued at $255,000 as crime proceeds.

Police stated that the seized firearms were primarily smuggled into Canada from the United States.

Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida said the results "are likely to significantly disrupt the operations of this criminal group."

Police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with more information to contact the York Regional Police or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.