NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Intelligence Bureau have seized more than $500,000 worth of drugs and charged six people, including two pharmacists, in connection with opioid trafficking.
In late 2019, officers began an investigation into a group of suspects believed to be trafficking opiate pills. In December 2019, officers executed an initial search warrant in the City of Toronto and made several arrests. The investigation continued and led officers to two pharmacists who were charged in connection with the incidents. In total, officers seized more than $500,000 in opioid drugs, one firearm and more than $220,000 in cash.
Charged:
- Walter Jovel, 27, of Toronto
Charges:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - schedule 1 substance
Charged:
- [Name removed]* of Toronto
Charges:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - schedule 1 substance x3
- Possession of a forged document with intent
Charged:
- Sahir Shemun, 39, of Vaughan
Charges:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - schedule 1 substance x2
Charged:
[Name removed]** of Toronto
Charges:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - schedule 1 substance
- Possession of a forged document with intent
Charged:
- Blarsn Zaro, 31, of Vaughan
Charges:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - schedule 1 substance
- Fail to comply with conditions of recognizance
Charged:
- Firas Georges, 36, of Vaughan
Charges:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - schedule 1 substance
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Intelligence Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext.7835, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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Editor's Note, Nov. 18, 2024: The name of one of the individuals charged has been removed from this news release as the charge was stayed in Ontario Court.
Editor's Note, Dec. 10, 2024: The name this individual has been removed from this news release as the charges were stayed in the Ontario Court of Justice.
