BRAMPTON -
Eight Brampton men are among 36 charged in an extensive drug and firearm investigation that started with the ambush and kidnapping of six innocent victims in northern Ontario last fall. Project Pirate wrapped up this week with 173 drug and firearms charges and millions of dollars in assets seized. The investigation started after six people, including two Ministry of Natural Resources contract employees, stumbled upon a group of 12 masked men stealing a freshly harvested crop of marijuana bud on an ATV trail north of Minden last October. The victims were held captive for three hours, pistol whipped, and one was shot at several times, according to police. During the investigation, police also believe they have solved a carjacking and shooting on Hwy. 401 near Belleville last June. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino said suspects in the Minden ambush have been arrested— none of the Brampton men appear to be accused of that incident— as well as several other men suspected of being involved in drug trafficking and production. Six handguns, three long guns, 2,400 pounds of marijuana valued at $7 million and 159 grams of cocaine were all seized during the probe, along with $46,830 in cash. Three homes are targetted for seizure, as well as seven high-end vehicles, according to police. Camouflage clothing, video recorders, body armour, handcuffs, an expandable baton and other electronic devices were also seized. Charged with a variety of weapons offences, including carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a restricted firearm and careless use of a firearm are Tristan Morgan, 20, and Lorenzo Wallace, 20, both of Brampton. Brampton's Vijay Ramnathsingh, 27, has been charged with marijuana possession as well as several firearms charges, including possessing a gun for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a restricted firearm. William Nolan, 30, of Brampton has been charged with cocaine and marijuana possession for the purpose of trafficking, as well as possession of stolen property and breach of probation. Charged with several drug offences, including marijuana possession for the purpose of trafficking, are residents Omar Lord, 20, Cuong Chi Nguyen, 23, Van Hoang Nguyen, 23, and Yong Ty Vinh, 21.
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