Project 8 Mile Investigation Leads to Major Drug and Weapons Bust in GTA
Six men from the Greater Toronto Area are facing a slew of criminal charges after a significant police operation resulted in the seizure of a large cache of controlled substances and dangerous weapons. The investigation, dubbed Project 8 Mile, has uncovered a trafficking network operating across York Region and beyond.
Details of the Seizure and Arrests
York Regional Police launched Project 8 Mile in the fall of 2025 after receiving reports of two men involved in drug trafficking activities within York Region and surrounding areas. As the investigation progressed, additional suspects were identified, believed to be trafficking controlled substances in Georgina and other jurisdictions.
On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, police executed search warrants at residences in Georgina, Toronto, and Vaughan, leading to the arrest of six individuals. The seized items include:
- Controlled substances valued at approximately $325,000, including cocaine, hydromorph-contin, methamphetamine, oxycocet, and MDMA.
- Weapons such as a firearm, a crossbow, and brass knuckles.
- Various types of ammunition.
- Just over $58,000 in cash.
Charges Filed Against the Six Suspects
The accused face a range of serious offences. Jesse Miller, 38, of Vaughan, is charged with fraud exceeding $5,000, personation with intent to gain advantage, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon while prohibited, trafficking a controlled substance, and two counts of identity theft.
Sean Pain, 38, of Georgina, faces charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, careless storage of ammunition, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Gary MacDonald, 43, of Toronto, is charged with trafficking a controlled substance, unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized, careless storage of a firearm, public mischief, fraud exceeding $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and four counts of possession of a crossbow contrary to a prohibition order.
Usama Hamid, 31, of Toronto, faces charges of careless storage of ammunition, possession of property obtained by crime, and three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Timothy Persaud, 40, of Toronto, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime, unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized, careless storage of a firearm, breach of probation, three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and two counts of possession of a crossbow contrary to a prohibition order.
Kyle York, 31, of Toronto, faces two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
York Regional Police are continuing their investigation into this case and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact police at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7345, or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
This bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession in the Greater Toronto Area, aiming to enhance community safety and disrupt criminal networks.
