FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 13, 2025

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) is proud to announce the winner of an award recognizing the contributions of individuals and/or teams who have exhibited excellence, innovation, and initiative to detect, disrupt, and dismantle criminal organizations.

This year’s CACP Award of Excellence for Combating Organized  Crime was presented to the Hamilton Police Service Investigative Services Division – Intelligence Unit for the successful implementation of Project Odeon.

In 2021, what began as a seemingly routine call for service to a private residence in one of Hamilton’s more affluent neighbourhoods quickly turned into a complex and dangerous investigation. Responding officers from the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) discovered that careless chemical handling and negligent use of protective equipment had caused a fatal fentanyl exposure. This tragedy underscored the extreme toxicity of fentanyl and set in motion an 18-month joint investigation — Project Odeon — led by HPS in collaboration with York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police.

Project Odeon uncovered a sophisticated criminal network responsible for producing and distributing millions of doses of high-potency fentanyl. The investigation dismantled three clandestine laboratories—each capable of producing more than 60 kilograms of pure fentanyl per production cycle—as well as a network of storage sites used to conceal hazardous chemical waste. At the purity levels seized, the fentanyl required dilution at a 40-to-1 ratio to be consumable, meaning that each 60-kilogram batch represented the potential for 2,400 kilograms of street-level product.

In August 2023, with the support of multiple law enforcement partners and Health Canada, police executed 15 search warrants across Ontario. The operation resulted in 12 arrests, the seizure of approximately 50 kilograms of illicit substances, and the recovery of goods valued at $1 million obtained through criminal activity.                                                            

“Project Odeon exemplifies the perseverance, innovation, and determination that this award was created to honour. This investigation not only dismantled a sophisticated fentanyl production and distribution network but also prevented millions of lethal doses from reaching our communities. It is a powerful example of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work together with a shared commitment to ensuring public safety.” — Chief Superintendent Chris Leather, Co-Chair, CACP Organized Crime Committee

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For further information or to arrange a media interview, please contact:

Natalie Wright
Communications Manager
communications@cacp.ca 
613.838.8807