5 arrested in dark web drug trafficking probe dubbed Project Ghostwire

Five people allegedly linked to a dark web drug trafficking network called the “icy white north” are facing more than 80 charges following a months-long investigation by York Regional Police.

Police said $3 million worth of drugs was seized along with luxury goods and a “significant amount of cryptocurrency” over the course of the investigation.

The investigation was launched in January 2026 after police identified an online drug trafficking operation known as the “icy white north.”

“This platform operated primarily through the dark web and through other encrypted communication platforms. The digital marketplace appeared to cater exclusively to Canadian customers and was linked to individuals residing in the GTA,” Det.-Sgt. Stephen Beale said at a news conference on Tuesday morning.

“Online sources indicated that icy white north had accumulated more than 9,000 positive reviews and had been operating since approximately 2022.”

He noted that investigators believe the operation generated “significant illicit revenue” with more than $100,000 in monthly revenue and cumulative proceeds of millions of dollars over the past four years.

“Unlike traditional street level drug trafficking, the icy white north operation utilized a commercial-style model. Drugs were advertised through digital marketplaces, orders were processed through encrypted communications, and shipments were delivered to customers through Canada’s legitimate parcel and postal infrastructure,” Beale said.

Luxury Mississauga penthouse condo was ‘central’ hub

Transactions involved “a wide range” of controlled substances, including fentanyl, cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, LSD, and illicit prescription pills, he added.

“Investigators also identified promotional posts advertising available inventory,” Beale said.

In one post, a drug advertised as “purple heroin” was later identified by investigators to be fentanyl.

Beale said quantities ranged from small to kilogram-level transactions, indicating that the operation had the capacity to supply other drug traffickers in the region.

Police said a luxury penthouse condo in Mississauga was believed to be the central location for operating the icy white north network.

During the execution of warrants in the investigation, police said they seized a significant quantity of drugs, a prohibited firearm, and more than a million dollars worth of luxury goods, including three vehicles, purses, and high-end watches.

Officers also seized digital devices that contained $200,000 in cryptocurrency, the first seizure of its kind in York Regional Police history, Beale said.

Probe has ‘toppled’ prolific dark web drug supplier

“This investigation demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated and evolving threat of organized drug trafficking and the manner in which organized criminals are using technology and encrypted communications and legitimate commercial infrastructure to facilitate the distribution of dangerous drugs,” he added.

“The investigation has effectively toppled the icy white north online drug trafficking network, which we believe was one of the most prolific Canada-based dark web drug supplier at this time.”

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