Two people arrested in ‘one of the largest drug seizures in OPS history’
Posted Dec 6, 2023 03:07:58 PM.
Last Updated Dec 7, 2023 06:42:12 AM.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) announced that investigators have seized more than 40 kilograms of cocaine and four kilograms of crack cocaine in the nation’s capital.
Ottawa police announced the details of 10 month investigation, dubbed ‘Operation Top Shelf’ which was described as “one of the largest drugs seizures in OPS history.”
The wholesale value of the drugs is approximately $1.5-million, police said in a media conference on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The retail value of the drugs is estimated to be approximately $4.5-million.
“This is a significant seizure and investigation that disrupts a criminal network operating in Ottawa and the province,” said Ottawa police Chief Eric Stubbs. “I want to thank the investigators who took on this complex investigation and recognize the assistance provided to Project Top Shelf by the Toronto Police Service, OPP, RCMP, and the Canadian Border Services Agency.”
OPS said the investigation started in February of this year by the OPS Serious and Organized Crime Directorate and focused on a significant drug network operating in Ottawa and Toronto and was supported through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario.
Police also seized seized $100,000 in cash.
Two people have been arrested.
Che Esprit, 35, of Toronto has been charged with:
- Conspiracy to traffic a schedule 1 substance
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine/crack cocaine) X 2
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000
- Failure to stop for police
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
Adrian Esqualit-Gonzalez, 33, of Ottawa has been charged with:
- Conspiracy to traffic a schedule I substance
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking (cocaine/crack cocaine) X2
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000
