28 people arrested and drugs, guns and 19 stolen vehicles seized, Hamilton police say

Twenty-eight peoplehave been arrested after a one-month investigation into criminal activity involving stolen vehicles and more, Hamilton police say.

The investigation, dubbed Project Grizzly, was conducted in partnership with Equite Association, the former Insurance Bureau of Canada and Niagara Police Service.

In May 2022, Hamilton police launched an investigation into an organized vehicle theft ring.

Police said in a news release that the project took place at various locations inHamilton and the Niagara Region.

Last week investigators completed the project.They seized 19 stolen vehicles, a large amount of illicit drugs and two loaded firearms.

The Equite Association estimates auto thefts cost Canadians close to $1 billion yearly, including $542 million for insurers to fix or replace stolen vehicles, $250 million in police, health care and court system costs and millions more for correctional services.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information they believe could assist with the investigation into this crime, should contact Detective Sean Woodard by calling 905-546-3820 or Acting Detective Sergeant George Gallant at 905-540-5085.