Quebec police charge 16 in cocaine trafficking investigation
Police seized more than $9 million in property, including 14 kilograms of cocaine, in the operation.
MONTREAL — RCMP in Quebec have charged 16 people in connection with cocaine trafficking, with 15 arrested and one person wanted abroad.
The arrests are the result of an investigation called Project Chrome that began in 2022, the RCMP said.
Police said the total value of property seized is more than $9 million, including 14 kilograms of cocaine and more than $145,000 in cash.
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“These arrests are the culmination of Project Chrome,” the RCMP said.
Through the investigation, police determined six buildings were linked to members of an alleged criminal organization and are now subject to restraint orders.
Of the 16 charged, 11 are from Montreal and range in age from 24 to 73.
Four of the accused are a 28-year-old and 55-year-old from Sainte-Julienne, a 44-year-old from Blainville, and a 30-year-old from Gatineau.
Several of the suspects are believed to be members of the Lopez-Oliverio family, including Franco Lopez, 61, and Pasquale Lopez, 53.
Police said one of the 16 suspects remains wanted abroad.
The suspects face multiple charges, including trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of and trafficking in property obtained by crime and conspiracy.
They have also been charged with offences committed for the benefit of or at the direction of a criminal organization, and various offences under the Income Tax Act.
The federal police force specified Tuesday morning that the people arrested will be charged with cocaine trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and laundering the proceeds of crime.
They will also face charges of possession and trafficking of criminally obtained property, conspiracy, offences committed for the benefit of or at the direction of a criminal organization, and various offences under the Income Tax Act.
The investigation included officers from the RCMP’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit and Money Laundering Investigative Team, with assistance from the Canada Revenue Agency.
A court appearance is expected Tuesday with 15 set to appear.
The accused are expected to appear via videoconference at the Montreal courthouse later Tuesday.
With files from Global News and CityNews