Peel Regional Police announced another major breakthrough in community safety with the success of Project Winner, an investigation led by the 22 Division Community Intervention and Response Team (CIRT). The operation was sparked by a resident tip and uncovered a significant trafficking network operating within Peel. Officers executed search warrants on October 31 and recovered over $1 million in illegal drugs, a loaded handgun with an extended magazine, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, preventing these dangerous substances and weapons from ever reaching our neighbourhoods.
This latest achievement comes during a record-setting year for CIRT, which now operates across all four police divisions in the Region of Peel. In the past year, CIRT teams have:
Made more than 1,000 arrests
Laid over 2,000 charges
Seized approximately $2.5 million in illegal property, cash, and narcotics
Their visible, proactive approach is built on community relationships, intelligence-driven policing, and rapid response.
“I’m incredibly proud of the outstanding work done by the officers of CIRT and Peel Regional Police,” said Councillor Rowena Santos. “This isn’t just one successful operation, it reflects a full year of consistent, region-wide results. Every illegal gun removed, every gram of fentanyl seized, directly translates into lives saved.”
Santos emphasized that Project Winner only began because a resident had the confidence to speak up.
“This shows how powerful our community can be when we work together. Your voice matters, and in this case, it helped take a significant trafficking operation off our streets.”
Region-Wide Proactive Policing
CIRT officers are now embedded across Peel’s four divisions, where they support everything from tackling problem houses and drug networks to responding to encampments, auto theft patterns, and emerging crime hotspots. Their strength comes from being present, agile, and deeply connected to local neighbourhoods while building trust through daily engagement.
“This is exactly the kind of modern, community-focused policing Brampton needs,” Councillor Santos added.
Councillor Santos encourages all residents to continue reporting concerns:
Peel Police: 905-453-2121
Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), peelcrimestoppers.ca
Councillor Santos remains committed to advocating for proactive policing, resources for Peel Regional Police, and strong community partnerships.
“Our residents deserve safe streets and secure neighbourhoods. I will continue working with our police, Mayor Brown, and leaders across the region to ensure we are giving officers the tools they need and giving residents the peace of mind they deserve.”
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