Project Lookout takes down guns and trafficking network in York Region

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Project Lookout, a 14-month long, joint-forces investigation led by York Regional Police’s Guns, Gangs, and Drug Enforcement Unit has led to 20 arrests, 300 charges and the dismantling of a large-scale gun and drug trafficking network.

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In April 2023, police began investigating members and associates of a street gang known as the Haywan Gang, believed to be involved in the trafficking of firearms and drugs into the southern part of York Region.

Cops say as the operation evolved, suspects allegedly supplying members and associates of the Haywan Gang with firearms and high-quality cocaine being primarily trafficked in Vaughan were identified.

Authorities say Project Lookout concluded on June 5 when search warrants were executed at 33 GTA locations, resulting in the seizure of 18 firearms, 19.8 kilograms of cocaine, 4.8 kilograms of cannabis and a quantity of MDMA, Xanax pills and oxycodone pills with the total street value of the seized drugs at more than $2.5 million.

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

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or visit 1800222tips.com.

Project Lookout also included investigators from the Toronto Police Service, Peel Regional Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) with support from the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), funded by the Ontario Government and Ministry of the Solicitor General.

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