Canadian Mounties Charge 16 in Major Cocaine Trafficking Bust
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have made a significant breakthrough in a major cocaine trafficking case, with charges filed against 16 individuals. Out of the 16 accused, 15 have already been apprehended in Quebec.
The RCMP announced on Tuesday that the arrested individuals will be facing a slew of charges including cocaine trafficking, possession of cocaine for trafficking purposes, and money laundering.
Moreover, the suspects will be charged with possession and trafficking of criminally acquired assets, conspiracy, offenses linked to criminal organizations, and various violations under the Income Tax Act.
The arrests mark the conclusion of Project Chrome, a law enforcement initiative that commenced in 2022, targeting an alleged criminal syndicate.
Among the apprehended suspects are believed to be members of the Lopez-Oliverio family, such as Franco Lopez (61) and Pasquale Lopez (53) from Montreal. Additional arrests were carried out in Sainte-Julienne, Blainville, and Gatineau.
The RCMP is currently pursuing the last implicated individual outside the country, as part of this ongoing operation.
Throughout the investigation, authorities placed six properties associated with the alleged criminal group under seizure orders. The total worth of the confiscated assets, which include 14 kg of cocaine and over $145,000 in cash, is estimated at over $9 million, as per the RCMP.
The accused are set to make their appearances via video conference at the Montreal courthouse later today.
