The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made the largest firearms seizure in the history of the service. A total of 24 handguns were seized as part of a drug trafficking investigation, dubbed Project Cyprus.

Members of the 2 District Street Crime Unit, with support from the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), launched Project Cyprus in November 2025. The investigation targeted members of a high-level drug trafficking network operating throughout Halton, Toronto, York, and Durham Region.

“This investigation has resulted in the largest firearms seizure in the history of the Halton Regional Police Service and represents a significant disruption to the flow of illegal guns entering our communities,” said HRPS Chief of Police, Stephen Tanner. “The fact that all 24 firearms originated in the United States highlights the continued threat posed by cross-border firearms trafficking. These are dangerous weapons that were destined for our streets, and I commend our team for removing them before they could be used in acts of violence.”

Over the course of six months, investigators obtained 75 judicial authorizations and executed nine search warrants at residences and vehicles in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Toronto and Oshawa.

As a result of the search warrants, investigators seized  24 handguns (12 prohibited and 12 restricted,  20 prohibited over-capacity magazines and ammunition, 16.5 kilograms of cocaine (estimated street value: $363,000), More than 16,000 Oxycodone tablets (estimated street value: $320,000),   3,000 mL of liquid Hydrocodone (estimated street value: $30,000),   10,500 mL of liquid Codeine (estimated street value: $15,000), More than $375,000 in bundled Canadian currency and cryptocurrency. 

The investigation into the origins of the firearms remains ongoing. Investigators have confirmed that all 24 handguns originated in the United States.

“Project Cyprus was a complex and lengthy investigation that required exceptional coordination, dedication, and investigative expertise,” said Deputy Chief, Roger Wilkie. 

He added, “Over the course of six months, investigators executed multiple search warrants, obtained dozens of judicial authorizations, and dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking network operating across several jurisdictions. The results of this investigation speak directly to the commitment of our officers and policing partners to keeping our communities safe.”