An investigation into an organized crime group trafficking in illegal drugs has led to the arrests of over a dozen people and the seizure of drugs and related items.
The combined number of criminal charges is expected to exceed 100.
On Wednesday, sixteen people were arrested without incident for offences linked to organized criminal activity.
Waterloo Regional Police Insp. Greg Lamport says "Persons that have been arrested have association to an organized crime group known as the Luminati."
The individuals are also charged with drug-related offences including the possession and trafficking of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and crystal methamphetamine, and the possession, production and trafficking of cannabis marijuana.
The investigation was launched in August 2009 by members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service Strategic and Tactical Services Division.
It led the police to ten residences located in the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Wellesley Township, North Dumfries Township and Puslinch Township.
Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service executed search warrants on all the residences early Wednesday morning. They were assisted by officers from Toronto, Hamilton, Halton Regional and Guelph Police Services.
In a news release Waterloo Regional Police Chief Matt Torigian says "Today's arrests are the culmination of an extensive investigation by members dedicated to curtailing organized crime in our community and ensuring that the individuals involved are held accountable."
He added, "The illegal drug trade impacts negatively on the well being of individuals and the overall quality of life in our community."
Three additional arrests were made in connection with this investigation in the last three weeks in Kitchener and Cambridge. More arrests are also anticipated, Lamport says.
Eight of the accused were at the court house Wednesday, but bail hearings for some are still being arranged. Additional details are expected to be released as they become available.
The investigation continues and further charges are pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-650-8500 Ext. 8711 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
