In a sweeping law enforcement operation dubbed Project Road King, Niagara Regional Police have delivered a blow to organized crime networks operating across Ontario. The takedown, announced in early October 2025, resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of illicit drugs, weapons, and a trove of stolen vehicles—many allegedly poised for export abroad.
Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what it reveals about Canada’s ongoing battle against cross-border crime.
From Tip to Takedown: The Story of Project Road King
The roots of the operation trace back to August 2024, when local investigators in Niagara began uncovering what appeared to be a regional drug trafficking ring. Over time, they realized the operation had deeper ties—extending into vehicle theft, export schemes, and organized networks spanning Hamilton, Toronto, and beyond. CityNews Toronto+1
By April 2025, the investigation had escalated into a joint-forces effort involving:
- The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS)
- RCMP
- Local police divisions in Hamilton and Toronto
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Specialized units in intelligence, forensics, and organized crime enforcement The Niagara Independent+2CityNews Toronto+2
On September 9, authorities moved in, executing 12 search warrants across Niagara, Hamilton, and Toronto. CityNews Toronto+1 The result: a sweeping seizure of assets and the arrest of 30 individuals facing 213 charges ranging from drug trafficking to property crimes and firearms offenses. CityNews Toronto+1
What Was Seized: Drugs, Guns, Cash & Cars
The scale of the seizure reflects the operation’s sophistication:
| Item | Quantity / Value |
|---|---|
| Stolen Vehicles Recovered | 38 (valued at over C$3.3 million) The Niagara Independent+1 |
| Cocaine | 12.25 kg CityNews Toronto |
| Methamphetamine | 1 kg CityNews Toronto |
| MDMA | 1.5 kg CityNews Toronto |
| Long Guns | 17 CityNews Toronto |
| Handguns | 3 CityNews Toronto |
| Cash (CAD) | > C$500,000 CityNews Toronto+1 |
| Cash (USD) | ~ US$4,800 CityNews Toronto |
In a headline-grabbing insight, investigators found that many of these vehicles were already loaded into shipping containers—prepared for export to countries such as Vietnam and Nigeria. The vehicle identification numbers (VINs) on some cars had been meticulously altered, indicating high-level technical know-how. Global News
Why It Matters: Broader Implications
1. Organized Crime Network Disrupted
This wasn’t a run-of-the-mill street bust. Project Road King has revealed a criminal enterprise with cross-jurisdictional reach and export ambitions. Its dismantling sends a strong message that even remote regions aren’t safe havens for large-scale criminal operations.
2. Border & Export Weaknesses Highlighted
The fact that stolen cars were being shipped overseas shows how criminals exploit gaps in export controls and border surveillance. CBSA cooperation in the operation suggests awareness of these vulnerabilities—but enforcement must keep pace.
3. Community Safety & Public Confidence
For residents in Niagara, Hamilton, and surrounding communities, the seizure of guns, drugs, and stolen property means fewer dangerous materials on the street. More than that, it strengthens trust in law enforcement’s capacity to protect.
4. Cost to Criminals, Gain for Society
Beyond the obvious arrests, the removal of hundreds of thousands in cash and millions in stolen assets cuts off financial incentives and embedded infrastructure—slowing re-emergence of similar crime rings.
Faces Behind the Case: Who Was Arrested
While police have named a few individuals, full disclosure remains under legal process. Some high-profile names include:
- Curtis Gravelle, 31, of Welland — facing 42 charges including conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses CityNews Toronto
- Tim Gravelle, 36, of Pelham — 12 charges including trafficking and weapons-related offenses CityNews Toronto
- Brandon Barreira, 31, of Hamilton — 4 charges including conspiracy and drug possession CityNews Toronto
Others arrested face a mix of fraud, stolen property, conspiracy, and possession of proceeds of crime. As of the latest reports, three remain in custody while the rest have been released on various bail conditions. CityNews Toronto
In total, 30 people were arrested and charged. Collectively, the group faces 213 charges.
Curtis GRAVELLE, 31-year-old male, from Welland (42 charges) (in custody)
5 counts of Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
11 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
2 counts of Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)
2 counts of Traffic in Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
6 counts of Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
9 counts of Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking
Careless Storage of a Firearm
Possess Firearm without Holding a Licence
Possess Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
Possession of a Loaded Regulated Firearm
Possess Firearm Knowing Serial Number has been Tampered
Possess Firearm Contrary to Order
Tim GRAVELLE, 36-year-old male, from Pelham (12 charges) (in custody)
4 counts of Conspiracy to Possess Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)
Conspiracy to Traffic Prohibited Firearm
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Prohibited Firearm
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Re-Vin Alteration of a Vin on a Motor Vehicle
Brandon BARREIRA, 31-year-old male, from Hamilton (4 charges) (in custody)
Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2 counts of Possession Schedule 1
Substance (Cocaine) For the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
Samantha GRAVELLE, 27-year-old female, from Welland (4 charges)
2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Uttering Forged Document
Fraud Over $5000
Michael VANDERZANDEN, 39-year-old male, from Hamilton (7 charges)
2 Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime for Trafficking
Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Exceeding $5000
Possession or Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking Exceeding $5000
2 counts of Possess Property of Thing Obtained by Crime within Canada Exceeding $5000
Utter Forged Document
Fraud Over $5000
Tudor SOPTERIAN, 32-year-old male, from Hamilton (8 charges)
4 Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
3 Counts of Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime for Trafficking
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device
Careless Storage of a Firearm
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
Remove/Alter Vehicle Identification Number
Fraud Over $5000
Public Mischief
Andrija LOJOVIC, 44-year-old male, from Grimsby (3 charges)
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Possession or Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking Over $5000
Chad HARTLEY, 50-year-old male, from Welland (24 charges)
10 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
7 counts of Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
7 counts of Possession or Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking Over $5000
Christopher DAYBOLL, 33-year-old male, from Port Colborne (3 charges)
Conspiracy to Possess Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Justin BARTFAI-BELL, 31-year-old female, from Thorold (1 charge)
Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Keiran BARTON, 23-year-old male, from Etobicoke (3 charges)
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
Courtney TAYLOR, 36-year-old female, from Hamilton (5 charges)
2 counts of Conspiracy to Possess Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
2 counts of Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
Marta LEITE, 54-year-old female, from Hamilton (1 charge)
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Andrew FUGERE, 32-year-old male, from Port Colborne (8 charges)
2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime
Possess Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking
Utter Forged Document
Fraud Over $5000
Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Khalid IDRIS, 35-year-old male, from Toronto (5 charges)
2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over
Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking
Alter/Remove or Obliterate a Vehicle Identification Number
Marc- Andre PERIARD, 41-year-old male, from Welland (10 charges)
4 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
3 counts of Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
3 counts of Possess Property Obtained of Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking
Taylor VANDERZANDEN, 29-year-old male, from Pelham (4 charges)
Possess Firearm Knowingly Not Holding Licence
Possess Firearm Without Holding a Licence
Careless Storage of Firearm
Possession Schedule 1 Substance (MDMA) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Auston ROBINSON, 31-year-old male, from Pelham (5 charges)
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
2 counts of Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
2 counts of Possess Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking
Courtney BROWN, 37-year-old male, from Niagara Falls (4 charges)
Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2 counts of Possession Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) For the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Kier MCCOLL, 39-year-old male, from Hamilton (5 charges)
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
Possession Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) For the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)
Possession Schedule 1 Substance (MDMA)
Brody O’DELL, 22-year-old male, from Lincoln (7 charges)
3 counts of Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
4 counts of Possess Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking
Tristan GORDON, 31-year-old male, from Niagara Falls (2 charges)
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of Proceeds of Crime
Brenda DUBE, 50-year-old female, from Niagara Falls (2 charges)
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of Proceeds of Crime
Ryan MCMANN, 34-year-old male, from Welland (3 charges)
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Exceeding $5000
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking
Santoy MCKENLY, 33-year-old male, of No Fixed Abode (1 charge)
Possession Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) For the Purpose of Trafficking
Darryl DAVANCE, 24-year-old male, from Montreal (14 charges)
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
2 counts of Possession of Device for Purpose of Committing Theft
2 counts of Possession of Burglary Tools
4 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000
Possession or Prohibited Weapon
Possession of Electronic Device for Committing Motor Vehicle Theft
Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Fail to Comply with Release Order
Jovenson ESTIME, 23-year-old male, from Montreal (14 charges)
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
2 counts of Possession of Device for Purpose of Committing Theft
2 counts of Possession of Burglary Tools
4 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000
Possession or Prohibited Weapon
Possession of Electronic Device for Committing Motor Vehicle Theft
Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Failing to Comply with Probation Order
Rocco LAURENTI, 27-year-old male, from Pelham (1 charge)
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)
Joshua ST. AMOUR, 26-year-old male, from Thorold (8 charges)
Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine)
Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Obstruct Peace Officer
3 counts of Fail to Comply with Probation Order
Lexi JUDGE, 25-year-old female, from Niagara Falls (3 charges)
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine)
Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Curtis GRAVELLE, Timothy GRAVELLE and Brandon BARREIRA remain in custody. The remaining 27 accused persons were released on various forms.
Challenges & Questions Moving Forward
- Legal burden and prosecutorial resources: Charging 213 counts across multiple jurisdictions requires sustained coordination and heavy legal capacity.
- Asset recovery and restitution: Can victims of auto theft reclaim their vehicles? Or will they be lost forever in bureaucratic limbo?
- Preventing reconstitution: Criminal networks adapt quickly. Authorities must stay one step ahead.
- Long-term export controls: Strengthening oversight over shipping, container inspections, and VIN verification is essential.
What This Means For You
- Motorists: Be alert to suspicious vehicles or offers. Use secure VIN checks when buying used cars.
- Local businesses: This reduces illicit competition and underscores the importance of transparency in auto trade.
- Policy makers: Expect calls for better legislation around vehicle export controls, cross-border investigations, and funding for multi-agency collaboration.
- Community members: Encourage support for RCMP, local police, and programs that aim to redirect youth from crime.
Final Word
Project Road King represents more than a successful sting—it highlights the scale and sophistication of criminal networks that exploit weak points in enforcement and border systems. The recovery of stolen vehicles, drugs, cash, and weapons demonstrates how deeply organized crime can infiltrate communities. But this operation also shows what’s possible when agencies collaborate, share information, and commit to persistent disruption.
The work isn’t done—prosecutors still need to secure convictions, and law enforcement must ensure the vacuum left by this bust is not quickly refilled. Still, for Niagara and all of Ontario, Project Road King is a powerful reminder: organized crime can be challenged—and staged defeat—if we stay vigilant, united, and persistent.
