RCMP and CBSA Dismantle Organized Crime Group

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) – Serious and Organized Crime Unit – South West District (SOC-SW), in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and assistance from the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) have dismantled an organized crime group allegedly involved in importing and trafficking cocaine into the Greater Hamilton Area.

Today, following a six month investigation, numerous search warrants were executed and the members of this crime group were arrested. During the investigation over 5 kilos of cocaine were seized by CBSA officers at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The cocaine originated from different South American destinations. Several illegal marihuana grow operations were also dismantled as a result of this investigation.

“The RCMP and our partners are committed to ensuring a safe and secure Canada by reducing the threat and impact of organized crime groups. The importation and trafficking of harmful, illegal drugs and their related crimes have a devastating effect on our communities, like those in the Greater Hamilton Area. Project OPLATO is a fine example of inter-agency cooperation targeting organized crime groups that only seek to enrich themselves with no regard for the health and safety of our Communities.” said Inspector Todd Gilmore, OIC-RCMP SOC-SW.

“I want to congratulate all the officers involved in this project on its successful outcome,” said Goran Vragovic, Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region, CBSA. “It’s partnerships like these between the RCMP and CBSA, that ensure the safety and security of Canadians by stopping the flow of illegal narcotics at the border that are used to fuel criminal enterprises.”

The subjects below have been arrested and charged:

• Jorge Alejandro Rodriguez-Oliva (age 29) from Stoney Creek, Ontario
• Edson Ariel Rosales (age 40) from Hamilton, Ontario
• Nicolas Salciccioli (age 25) from Stoney Creek, Ontario

With the following offences:

• Importing cocaine contrary to section 6 (1) CDSA
• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence contrary to section 465 (1) of the CC
  • Edina Kalmar (age 29) from Waterdown, Ontario
• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence contrary to section 465 (1) of the CC

Further arrests and charges are anticipated.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.