OPP dismantle ‘dark web' drug trafficking operation; four in Ottawa arrested

Ottawa Citizen

2 days ago

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Ontario Provincial Police announced Tuesday the seizure of more than 27 kilograms and thousands of tablets of 37 different illegal drugs and prescription medication destined to be shipped across Canada through courier services and Canada Post.
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Through the new intelligence-led investigation, Project BIONIC began in November 2024 and aimed to dismantle a 'dark web marketplace' where orders of drugs were placed and shipped across Canada.
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On March 10, OPP officers from the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau arrested two individuals at a Canada Post location in Ottawa and seized 86 packages of drugs.
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That same day, OPP served four search warrants at one vehicle and three residences in Gloucester and Nepean. Officers seized weapons, ammunition, $95,000 in currency, a stolen Ferrari valued at $400,000 and an estimated value of $2.5 million in illegal drugs, including fentanyl, ketamine and MDMA, also known as Ecstasy.
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On March 27, police conducted another search and recovered 11 more stolen vehicles with an estimated combined worth of $730,000. It was unclear exactly where these vehicles were recovered.
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Four individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation:
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Amr Hammami, 26, of Ottawa: 54 total charges; remanded into custody with a scheduled court appearance June 10 in Ottawa;
Hulya Colak, 24, of Ottawa: 29 total charges; remanded into custody with a scheduled court appearance June 23 in Ottawa;
Khashayar Nazemi, 26, of Ottawa; one charge of trafficking; released from custody with a June 10 court appearance in Ottawa;
Cole Dale Shouldice, 31, of Ottawa: one charge of possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000; released from custody with a June 27 court appearance in Ottawa.