An RCMP-led unit has dismantled a well-organized group that has been responsible for distributing dangerous narcotics in the Hamilton, Caledonia, and Niagara regions. Cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs were allegedly being trafficked by this organization in the Golden Horseshoe area of Ontario.
The RCMP's Golden Horseshoe Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) launched an investigation in 2023 after uncovering evidence of a sophisticated drug trafficking network in the area. Arrests and warrants were executed in three rounds, starting in April 2024.
Police seized large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and prescription pills. Police also seized multiple firearms, ammunition, ballistic vests, Canadian currency, and other items believed to be used to aid in the trafficking of high levels of narcotics. On top of that, several kilograms of suspicious substances have been sent to the lab to be tested for suspected narcotics.
Following the third round of warrants in late June, there are now 19 individuals who face charges for their involvement in this criminal operation.
All of these warrants / arrests were executed with the assistance from multiple tactical teams including Hamilton Police (ERU), RCMP (ERT), Niagara Regional Police (ETU), Halton Regional Police (TRU), Waterloo Regional Police (ERU), and OPP (TRU). Further assistance was provided by the Biker Enforcement Unit (OPP), and the Hamilton Police Major Drugs and Gang Unit.
The alleged leaders of the group have been charged as follows:
Sean Bixby (41)
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) 5(1) - Trafficking Methamphetamine
- CDSA 5(1) - Trafficking Cocaine
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
- Conspiracy to traffic Methamphetamine
- Conspiracy to traffic Cocaine
- Proceeds of crime under $5,000
- Fail to comply with court order (multiple counts)
David Langhorn (38)
- CDSA 5(1)- Trafficking Methamphetamine
- CDSA 5(1)- Trafficking Cocaine
- CDSA 5(1)- Trafficking Oxycodone
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine)
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Oxycodone)
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Ecstasy)
- Conspiracy to traffic Methamphetamine
- Conspiracy to traffic Cocaine
- Proceeds of crime under $5,000
- Possess counterfeit money
- Fail to comply with court order (multiple counts)
Dwayne Smith (43)
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine) X3
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Meth)
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl)
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Codeine)
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Oxycodone)
- CDSA 5(2) - Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Psilocybin)
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm X2
- Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
- Possession of a prohibited Firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device X2 (extended magazines)
- Careless storage of a firearm X2
- Tamper with serial of a firearm X2
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose X2
- Proceeds of crime over $5000
Sixteen additional individuals are also facing charges. The full list is at the end of this release.
"I would like to thank all the investigators and our partners who contributed to this major criminal investigation. Organized crime groups use proceeds of drug trafficking to fund further criminal activity. These arrests make a positive impact for our community by closing off what had been a profitable operation that supported organized crime in southern Ontario."
- RCMP Inspector Henry Tillo, Officer-in-Charge, Golden Horseshoe CFSEU
"Crime knows no borders, and neither does our commitment to fighting it. By partnering with our neighbouring police agencies, we are dedicated to investigating and disrupting organized crime. Together, we will ensure the safety and security of our communities."
-Supt. Martin Schulenberg, Investigative Services Division, Hamilton Police Service
"This investigation demonstrates the effective collaboration between the Canada Border Services Agency and its law enforcement partners. Together, we investigate and prosecute those who break Canada's laws and keep our communities safe."
– Michael Prosia, Acting Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency
"This investigation demonstrates our commitment to working with our policing partners to ensure the ongoing safety of our community. We will continue to work together to send a clear message that these weapons and dangerous drugs will not be tolerated on our streets."
- Deputy Chief Todd Waselovich, Niagara Regional Police Service
"The disruption of this organized crime group comes as a result of the partnership with our neighbouring police services and the RCMP. The Brantford Police understand these criminal networks extend throughout the province, and we remain committed to working together with our law enforcement counterparts to help prevent the distribution of illegal drugs and weapons."
- Inspector Grant Davies, Investigative Support Branch, Brantford Police Service
Fast Facts
The Golden Horseshoe CFSEU is a newly formed combined unit made up of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Hamilton Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, Brantford Police Service, Six Nations Police and the Canada Border Services Agency. CFSEU is responsible for collecting, investigating and circulating intelligence files on organized crime and other subjects that represent the highest threat to public safety in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario.
The RCMP's core values guides our daily activities. All employees are expected to live and model the values in their work. This investigation shows our commitment to serving with excellence. We make use of technology and experience to keep our communities safe.