Sophisticated’ drug trafficking network with ties to Hells Angels, Hamilton gang busted by RCMP
Nineteen are people facing drugs, gun and other charges, including one person who was arrested after the murder of mobster Angelo Musitano
By Nicole O’Reilly Hamilton Spectator (Ontario Canada) July 18, 2024
https://www.thespec.com/news/crime/sophisticated-drug-trafficking-network-with-ties-to-hells-angels-hamilton-gang-busted-by-rcmp/article_233b6274-80f1-52a7-9d8b-e55a13498635.html
An RCMP-led police team says it has dismantled a “well-organized” network trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs in Hamilton, Caledonia and Niagara regions.
There are 19 people from Hamilton, Binbrook and Caledonia who face a slew of drug, gun and other charges, including three men identified as leaders of the criminal network by the RCMP’s Golden Horseshoe combined forces special enforcement unit (CFSEU). One of those charged was previously arrested in a Mob murder, and another is a full-patch member of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle club, The Spectator has confirmed.
Many of the arrested parties are also associated with the Hamilton street gang North End Crew, the RCMP said in response to questions from the Spectator.
“We have not laid any charges involving any other known criminal organizations,” RCMP said.
The investigation, dubbed Project Opensky, began last year after police uncovered a “sophisticated drug trafficking network,” the RCMP said in a news release. There were three rounds of search warrants and arrests starting in April, with the third round in June.
Police said they seized large quantities of crystal meth, cocaine, fentanyl and prescription pills, along with firearms, ammunition, ballistic vests, cash and other items allegedly tied to drug-trafficking.
Several kilograms of substances suspected to be narcotics have been sent to a lab for testing.
The RCMP told the Spectator that they seized kilograms of crystal meth and cocaine, along with “significant quantities” of fentanyl and prescription pills. The exact amounts and dollar value will be better known when testing is complete.
The searches involved tactical officers from the RCMP, OPP, Hamilton, Niagara, Halton and Waterloo police. The OPP-led biker enforcement unit and Hamilton’s major drugs and gang unit also helped.
RCMP declined to give details on the network’s alleged means of distribution, communication and concealment, but said it was “sophisticated.” None of the charges are tied to the importation of drugs and guns, however, RCMP believe the drugs were imported from Mexico.
On social media, Hamilton police said they were proud to have played a “crucial role” in the investigation.
“This operation highlights the power of co-operation and our shared commitment to disrupting organized crime and ensuring the safety of our (Hamilton) communities,” the post said.
Among the trio of alleged leaders identified by police is Sean Bixby, a 41-year-old Hamilton man who is well-known to Hamilton police for his alleged criminal ties.
Bixby was arrested and questioned in the May 2017 murder of Hamilton mobster Angelo Musitano, who was gunned down in the driveway of his Waterdown home at the start of a bloody Mob-war that later saw his older brother and reputed Mob leader Pat killed.
Bixby was a friend of the man police say was hired to kill Musitano, and who was also the shooter in a botched hit in Vaughan that killed innocent bystander Mila Barberi. Michael Cudmore fled to Mexico before police had a warrant for his arrest and later died there. It is common for the Mafia to hire outside criminals to carry out hits and other acts of violence.
In Hamilton, at Bixby’s Airport Road home, police found two vehicles used in surveillance and to purchase trackers used in Angelo’s murder. Bixby was arrested and questioned, but he told police he was in jail at the time and suggested someone else must have parked the cars on his property. He was let go unconditionally.
Bixby now faces charges of trafficking meth and cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to traffic meth and cocaine, possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000 and multiple counts of failing to comply with court orders.
Another alleged leader, 38-year-old David Langhorn, faces similar charges. Langhorn also faces a charge of possession of ecstasy for the purpose of trafficking and possession of counterfeit money.
The third alleged leader, 43-year-old Dwayne Smith, faces multiple charges of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking — including, meth, fentanyl, codeine, oxycodone and psilocybin. He also faces multiple firearm charges including two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a prohibited device (extended magazines).
The RCMP said Smith was a “full patch Hells Angel” at the time of his arrest.
The Spectator has confirmed that Smith is thought to be an original member of the North End Crew (NEC). Cudmore was also tied to the gang, which is known for its close ties to Hells Angels. Members of the Hamilton chapter of the motorcycle gang are said to be recruited from NEC
.
The CFSEU is a newly-formed combined unit that includes RCMP, Hamilton, Niagara, Brantford and Six Nations police, along with the Canada Border Services Agency. It investigates and gathers intelligence on organized crime and the highest-threat crime in the Golden Horseshoe.
The investigation is ongoing and RCMP say there is a potential for further charges.
Nicole O’Reilly is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com
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