Investigators from Peel Regional Police Central Robbery Bureau (CRB) have disrupted and dismantled an organized group responsible for multiple armed robberies and carjacking.
In 2022, there were 135 armed pharmacy robberies, representing a 400% increase from the previous year, and in 2023, there has been a 67% increase in carjackings in Peel. The number of arrests made in pharmacy robberies and carjackings led CRB investigators to launch ‘Project Sterling’ to disrupt robbery incidents by an organized crime group in Peel. It also identified at-risk youth who were recruited to conduct these criminal acts. Over several months, CRB investigated and charged members of the organized crime group responsible for the offences.
Project Sterling resulted in:
- Eight (8) adults and twelve (12) young offenders for a total of twenty (20) arrested
- 103 Criminal Code charges laid
- Seizure of two (2) firearms with ammunition, six (6) imitation firearms and multiple edged weapons
- Recovery of six (6) stolen vehicles valued at over $125,000
- Six (6) youth referrals through Community Safety and Well-being partners
- The solvency of over twenty (20) violent related robbery incidents
The charges include:
- Robbery (x29)
- Disguise with Intent (x27)
- Robbery with a Firearm (x2)
- Use Imitation Firearm in Commission of Offence (x13)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (x5)
- Breach of Probation (x4)
- Fail to Comply with Release Order (x6)
- Fail to Comply with Release Order YCJA
- Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (x7)
- Fail to Comply with Weapons Prohibition (x2)
- Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle
- Flight from Police
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited Weapon
- Assault
- Attempt to Commit Indictable Offence
- Theft Under $5000
- Attempt Murder (in collaboration with Toronto Police Service)
“The Project Sterling investigation has supported a decrease in pharmacy robberies and carjackings,” said Deputy Chief Nick Milionvich. “It has also prevented more of our at-risk youth from being exploited in commiting these crimes.”
Since the start of Project Sterling, Peel Regional Police has seen a decline in carjackings by 11% and pharmacy robberies by 62% compared to the previous year and an additional 20 violent robbery related investigations were solved. The investigation also identified the group who was responsible for an armed carjacking in Brampton and a drive-by shooting of a student in Toronto. As a result, the Toronto Police Service laid 10 criminal charges including attempted murder..
“Through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this Peel Regional Police investigation.”
