Law enforcement authorities in Windsor have announced the largest fentanyl seizure in Ontario Provincial Police history following a year-long investigation that potentially prevented mass casualties in the community.
Massive Drug Haul Removed From Streets
During a joint operation between multiple OPP units and the Windsor Police Service's drugs and guns unit, investigators confiscated 46 kilograms of fentanyl with an estimated street value of $6.5 million. The staggering quantity represents approximately 460,000 street-level doses of the deadly opioid.
Police emphasized the lethal potential of the seizure, noting the amount was sufficient to provide potentially fatal overdoses to every resident of Windsor - twice over. The investigation, dubbed Project Rotherham, culminated in raids on three Windsor homes and three vehicles on September 25, 2025.
Investigation Timeline and Additional Seizures
The probe began in the fall of 2024 when the OPP-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team and Windsor Police Service identified two primary members of a drug trafficking network with ties to known criminal organizations. Evidence gathered during the September operations led to the execution of an additional search warrant at another Windsor residence.
Beyond the record fentanyl haul, officers also seized substantial quantities of other controlled substances including 3.4 kilograms of suspected cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, 4,500 hydromorphone tablets, 190 oxycodone tablets, 360 morphine tablets, 470 benzodiazepine tablets, and 35 amphetamine tablets.
Community Impact and Official Statements
Windsor deputy police chief Jason Crowley underscored the operation's significance for local public safety. "This operation has a direct impact on the City of Windsor," Crowley stated. "Removing this volume of fentanyl from our streets saves lives."
Authorities explained that a single dose, or "one point" of fentanyl, typically measures 0.1 grams. Analysis revealed the seized fentanyl had been mixed with other substances, varying in potency, which police considered when estimating the number of street-level doses.
Crowley highlighted the collaborative nature of the investigation, calling it "a powerful example of what we can achieve through strong partnerships — locally and provincially. Together, we are protecting our communities and sending a strong message: drug traffickers will be held accountable."
The record-breaking bust represents a significant victory in Ontario's ongoing battle against the opioid crisis and organized crime networks profiting from addiction.
