Dozens of people including Toronto police officers 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.
As of Wednesday night, the source said at least seven Toronto police officers had been arrested but that the situation was fluid and the number of those facing charges could grow.
A federal source said there were more than 30 arrests in total, but would provide no further details. A third 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.”
The Toronto Police Service Board held an emergency, in-camera meeting on Wednesday to discuss the matter, a government official said. The Globe is not naming the official because they were not authorized to speak about the matter.