Hamilton police seize $32.5 million in drugs, 28 guns in Project Suppression

Hamilton police say they seized 28 guns and $32.5 million worth of illegal drugs during a six-month project targeting gang and gun activity in the city.

Project Suppression was launched in September 2021 in response to an increase in shootings and gang conflicts in Hamilton, police said. The project included police units across the service to target illegal guns.

Over the course of the project, police charged 37 people who face a combined 288 charges. Officers seized 28 guns, 10 replica guns, 16 other prohibited weapons and devices, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, $273,000 in cash and drugs.

Among the drugs seized was high purity fentanyl" that once prepared to be sold on the street would have an estimated street value of $30 million, police said.

In a statement, Chief Frank Bergen noted that drug trafficking contributes to both violent crimes, including shootings, but also overdose deaths.

We continue to see the effect illicit drugs has on all aspects of our society," he said.

Hamilton police also continue to see more guns on city streets, said Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati, pointing to two traffic stops that led to two loaded handguns being seized this week alone.

There have been nine shootings so far this year, including three victims. One victim, Shane Grenier, was killed.

There were 36 shootings in Hamilton last year, including 21 victims shot. Eight people were killed.

Anyone with information about gun, drug and gang crimes can call Det. Sgt. Greg Slack at 905-546-3887. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com