The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), in partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), has concluded Project Deception Lake, a multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking and exporting investigation. 

On January 12, 2026, SSMPS officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 East following information received from WRPS that a driver was transporting controlled substances to Sault Ste. Marie. 

During the investigation, officers searched the vehicle and located a large quantity of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, which was subsequently seized. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $142,338.

The driver, a 23-year-old Kitchener male, was arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and was held for a bail hearing. 

On January 15, 2026, SSMPS officers completed a search warrant at a residence on Wellington Street East in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Officers located and seized a large quantity of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is over $700,000. 

The same 23-year-old Kitchener male was charged with three additional counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. 

This accused has also been charged by WRPS with exporting methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of exporting, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of a prohibited firearm. 

Police allege that the accused used parcel mail to ship methamphetamine to Australia, which was intercepted by the Canada Border Services Agency. 

On January 13, 2026, and February 20, 2026, WRPS completed search warrants at residences on Blackburn Street in Cambridge, Knights Lane in Woodstock, and Hollybrook Crescent and West Oak Trail in Kitchener. 

Investigators seized a large quantity of suspected cocaine, psilocybin, cannabis, hashish, heroin, and MDMA pills. Officers also located and seized more than $130,000 in Canadian currency, luxury jewellery and bags, precious metal bars, cell phones, three vehicles, a bulletproof vest, and a prohibited firearm with ammunition.

A 40-year-old male, a 30-year-old male, and a 30-year-old female, all from Waterloo Region, have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and other offences.

A 28-year-old Woodstock male has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

On March 11, 2026, OPP officers arrested a 47-year-old Orangeville male on an outstanding warrant in connection with this investigation. He faces several charges, including five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Officers seized a large quantity of currency and precious metal bars. 

Project Deception Lake was led by the Waterloo Regional Police Service and supported by Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, York Regional Police, Woodstock Police Service, and Canada Border Services Agency.