'Outlaws' charged in joint drug trafficking investigation

Military-style sniper rifles, drugs, brass knuckles and a 50-round drum magazine for a Glock pistol were just some of the items seized during a drug trafficking investigation focused in southwestern Ontario.

Dubbed 'Project Derailleur,' the investigation was initiated by the Aylmer Police Service and the Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), led by the OPP.

Four members of the Outlaw Motorcycle Groups (OMG) and eight associates have been charged with 52 offences following a multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking investigation.

On June 27, the BEU executed 11 search warrants at eight locations including the Outlaws Motorcycle Club Clubhouse and homes in Aylmer, St. Thomas and Strathroy.

“What we are finding, is if there is an area that has a void, street gangs, OMGs and traditional organized crime is quick to move into those voids,” said Det. Insp. Scott Wade of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of drugs, including suspected fentanyl and cocaine worth about $33,000, and illegal firearms.

“The norm used to be that we would not be finding guns, and now the norm is that we are finding guns and it’s an unsettling trend,” said Kyle Johnstone, deputy chief of the Aylmer Police Service. “Our concern is always an ambush and unfortunately we all know within the last year in Ontario, we lost a lot of police officers due to ambushes and firearms-related deaths.”

Evidence seized as part of an investigation by 'Biker Enforcement Unit' as seen on July 5, 2023. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)Police said the arrests were made without incident.

During their arrests in St. Thomas, police found a firearm inside a vehicle.

“As a police officer, and community member it troubles me and the rest of us to know an illegal firearm was located in a vehicle,” said Steve Bogart, staff inspector with the St. Thomas Police Service.

He added, “The weapons seized include military style rifles which have no business in the hands of those who don’t respect the laws. Illegal firearms are often used in violent robberies, including intimidation, extortion and homicide. They’re often also associated with illicit drug and gang activity.”

While an estimated street value of $33,000 worth of cocaine and fentanyl may seem small for a multi-month investigation, Wade believes it was worth it.

“The disruption we caused these organized crime groups is essential and worth the effort and to let them know that we won't tolerate this activity,” said Wade. “We won't tolerate them dealing, trafficking drugs and taking advantage of members of our community that are vulnerable especially the firearms and violence that goes with it.”

Two of the people charged are members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, one is a probationary Outlaw member and one member of the Filthy Fifteen Motorcycle Club.

The people charged range in age from 26 to 64 years old and are from Fergus, Wardsville, Aylmer, Strathroy, Mount Brydges and St. Thomas. 

Evidence seized as part of an investigation by 'Biker Enforcement Unit' as seen on July 5, 2023. (Brent Lale/CTV News London