Peel police have dismantled an organized group of 20 who were allegedly responsible for multiple armed robberies and carjacking in the region.
According to police data there were 135 armed pharmacy robberies in 2022, representing a 400% increase from the previous year, and this year there has been a 67% increase in carjackings in Peel. Police said that the number of arrests made led Central Robbery Bureau (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 resulting in the arrest of eight adults and twelve young offenders who are now facing a total of 103 criminal code charges.
“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.”
Six stolen vehicles valued at over $125,000 as well as seized two firearms with ammunition, six imitation firearms and multiple edged weapons as a result of the investigation.
Police said that since the start of Project Sterling, they have 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..
The Peel police investigation was supported by Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario through funding provided by the province.
