Ten Arrested, 12 Firearms Seized After Durham Police Investigation

Ten individuals were arrested and 12 firearms seized following a drug and firearm investigation by the Durham Region Police Service (DRPS), according to a police statement released on May 22, 2025. Police report that 112 criminal charges were laid in connection with the investigation, dubbed Project Venture. Two suspects remain outstanding, with warrants issued for their arrest.

The police statement indicates Project Venture began in November 2024 and involved the DRPS Drug Enforcement Unit working with the Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Peterborough Police, Peel Police Service, Waterloo Regional Police, and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. The investigation concluded on May 2, 2025, when officers executed 16 search warrants under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code at residences throughout Durham Region, Toronto, and Waterloo Region.

According to DRPS, investigators seized several items during the operation, including 12 firearms, more than three kilograms of cocaine, a large quantity of other narcotics, over $100,000 in cash, and a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The police said the seized drugs have a street value of more than $300,000. Several individuals located at the searched residences were also arrested and charged.

One of the outstanding suspects is identified by police as Dexter Taylor-Bailey, age 33, of Mississauga. DRPS reports that Taylor-Bailey is wanted for multiple offences, including possession of restricted and loaded firearms, possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of various substances for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Investigators say they have been in contact with one of the suspects and are seeking public assistance in locating the second individual.

The police statement notes that the investigation was funded by the Ontario Government through the Ministry of the Solicitor General and supported by Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. DRPS has not released the names of all those arrested but states that a full list of accused individuals and charges is available online.