Numerous police officers including members of the Toronto Police Service have been arrested in a sweeping probe that involved allegations of drug trafficking and auto theft.
The details were confirmed by a source with direct knowledge of the case. The people accused also include individuals who are not police officers, the source said.
A federal source said more than 30 officers were arrested, mostly from Toronto police but including other forces as well, but would provide no further details.
A separate source with knowledge of the case said York Regional Police led the investigation.
The Globe is not naming the sources, who were not authorized to release details about the case.
The Toronto Police Service declined to comment, but noted in an e-mail that York Regional Police had scheduled a news conference for Thursday.
A York Regional Police advisory said the news conference was about Project South, which it describes as “a lengthy investigation into organized crime and corruption.”
The news conference was expected to feature York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween, Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan and Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw.
Meaghan Gray, a spokeswoman for the Toronto Police Association, said in a statement Wednesday evening that the union is “aware of several of its members who were arrested today.”
“As a professional labour organization, we will ensure our members receive due process and wellness support as required,” she said. “We have no further comment regarding this investigation or the members involved.”