11 people face drugs, weapons charges after Project Catfish bust in Burlington, Toronto, Hamilton

Eleven people are facing more than 50 combined charges following a wide-ranging investigation in Burlington, Hamilton and Dunnville.

Project Catfish began in May 2024 and was conducted as a partnership by members of the Halton police Burlington Street Crime Unit and the Haldimand County OPP Street Crime Unit. It targeted a drug trafficking network operating in Halton Region and the GTHA.

“The trafficking of illicit substances into our communities is related to the rise in drug poisonings which we know can lead to tragic outcomes. Similarly, trafficking and possessing firearms is a direct threat to public safety,” said Det.-Sgt. Derek Moyes of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau.

“The results of Project Catfish clearly demonstrate our commitment to collaborate with our policing partners and hold those who participate in these criminal acts accountable.”

Last Thursday, nine search warrants were executed simultaneously with help from numerous other police forces, including Toronto, Hamilton, Waterloo and Niagara.

A total of 11 people were arrested and charged and the following items were seized:

• 2 loaded Smith and Wesson handguns
• 1 Glock firearm with serial number defaced
• Ammunition and a prohibited drum magazine
• 2 crossbows
• 4 kgs of methamphetamine
• 3 kgs of cocaine
• 115 grams of oxycodone
• 950 grams of fentanyl
• $120,000 in CAN currency
• 2 vehicles

Those arrested face a combined 55 charges which include firearm and drug trafficking offences.

Arrested were Dario Dilber, 34, of Dunnville, Julia Dowling, 39, of Dunnville, Abdalle Farah, 31, of Burlington, Timothy King, 51, of Hannon, Issa Sufi, 28, of Toronto, Michael Tesfay, 28, of Cambridge, Yahya Yusuf, 33, of Burlington, Sharmel Facey, 19, of Dunnville, Faycal Krazini, 23, of Cambridge, Karel Beleba, 45, and Katherine Hayes, 35, of Dunnville.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2316.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at the website.