Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service's Drugs and Firearms Unit have arrested two individuals and seized a significant quantity of suspected fentanyl and a stolen handgun following a drug and firearms investigation dubbed Project Firebird.

In the summer of 2026, the Drugs and Firearms Unit initiated an investigation into drug and firearms-related offences.

On August 26, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the area of Ira Needles Boulevard and Highview Drive in Kitchener.

As a result of the search, investigators seized:

• A stolen loaded handgun
• An extended-capacity magazine
• An extended-capacity drum magazine
• Approximately 750 grams of suspected fentanyl
• Suspected hydromorphone pills

A 22-year-old male from Kitchener and a 17-year-old youth from Guelph were arrested and charged with:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Schedule I Substance (Fentanyl)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Schedule I Substance (Hydromorphone)
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of a Prohibited Device (two counts)
• Fail to Comply with a Probation Order
• Possession of a Weapon Contrary to an Order
• Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Careless Storage of a Firearm
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

The 22-year-old male was also charged with Possession of a Firearm for the Purpose of Trafficking.

Both accused were held in police custody pending a bail hearing.