Project Ghostwire dismantles Dark Web drug network across York Region

The York Regional Police (YRP) have dismantled a sophisticated Dark Web drug trafficking operation in York Region, charging five individuals and seizing a significant amount of illicit items. Project Ghostwire, a months-long investigation led by the YRP's Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit and Cybercrime Unit, along with support from the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, resulted in the arrest of five people and the seizure of approximately $3 million in illicit drugs, weapons, cryptocurrency, and cash.

The investigation targeted a high-volume Dark Web vendor who advertised and sold various controlled substances, including cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA. The vendor communicated with buyers through encrypted Dark Web messaging and shipped drugs using legitimate mail delivery services. Police identified members of the distribution network and several addresses linked to the operation.

On February 20, 2026, investigators executed multiple search warrants, leading to the seizure of substantial quantities of drugs and other materials. At a Mississauga residence, officers seized 5.5 kg of fentanyl, 5.5 kg of methamphetamine, 3.5 kg of cocaine, 4.5 kg of ketamine, 700 g of heroin, 5.4 kg of MDMA, 205 g of crack cocaine, over 1,100 LSD tabs, 11,800 Xanax pills, 290 oxycodone pills, and 110 hydromorphone pills. The estimated street value of the seized drugs totaled $3 million.

In addition to the drugs, police seized a carbine assault rifle, ammunition, $200,000 in cryptocurrency, $200,000 in cash, and over $1 million in proceeds of crime, including luxury vehicles and watches. Five individuals are now facing various charges related to trafficking, conspiracy, weapons offenses, proceeds of crime, and unlawful production. Cedric Olipano, 38, from Mississauga, and Lexia Oliver, 23, from Toronto, among others, are among those charged with multiple offenses.