Project Cyprus: Largest Firearms Seizure in HRPS History

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made the largest firearms seizure in the history of the service. A total of 24 handguns were seized as part of a drug trafficking investigation, dubbed Project Cyprus.

Members of the 2 District Street Crime Unit, with support from the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), launched Project Cyprus in November 2025. The investigation targeted members of a high-level drug trafficking network operating throughout Halton, Toronto, York, and Durham Region.

“This investigation has resulted in the largest firearms seizure in the history of the Halton Regional Police Service and represents a significant disruption to the flow of illegal guns entering our communities,” said HRPS Chief of Police, Stephen Tanner. “The fact that all 24 firearms originated in the United States highlights the continued threat posed by cross-border firearms trafficking. These are dangerous weapons that were destined for our streets, and I commend our team for removing them before they could be used in acts of violence.”

Over the course of six months, investigators obtained 75 judicial authorizations and executed nine search warrants at residences and vehicles in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Toronto and Oshawa.

As a result of the search warrants, investigators seized (see attached photos):

·         24 handguns (12 prohibited and 12 restricted)

·         20 prohibited over-capacity magazines and ammunition

·         16.5 kilograms of cocaine (estimated street value: $363,000)

·         More than 16,000 Oxycodone tablets (estimated street value: $320,000)

·         3,000 mL of liquid Hydrocodone (estimated street value: $30,000)

·         10,500 mL of liquid Codeine (estimated street value: $15,000)

·         More than $375,000 in bundled Canadian currency and cryptocurrency

The investigation into the origins of the firearms remains ongoing. Investigators have confirmed that all 24 handguns originated in the United States.

“Project Cyprus was a complex and lengthy investigation that required exceptional coordination, dedication, and investigative expertise,” said Deputy Chief, Roger Wilkie. “Over the course of six months, investigators executed multiple search warrants, obtained dozens of judicial authorizations, and dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking network operating across several jurisdictions. The results of this investigation speak directly to the commitment of our officers and policing partners to keeping our communities safe.”

Four individuals have been arrested and are facing more than 30 criminal charges in connection with the investigation.

Charge List:

Tevin Moulton (31) of Oshawa has been charged with the following:

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Firearms for the Purpose of Weapons Trafficking

·         Possession of a Prohibited Device for the Purpose of Weapons Trafficking

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

·         Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

·         Possession of Prohibited Weapon, Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

·         Careless Storage of Firearms

·         Possession of Prohibited Firearms

·         Being in possession of a Weapon Contrary to an Order

Duo Chao “Jason" Xue (29) of Richmond Hill has been charged with the following:

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking (2 counts)

·         Trafficking a controlled substance (Cocaine)

·         Fail to Comply with Release Order (2 counts)

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

Sebastian Machado (26) of Toronto has been charged with the following:

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Hydrocodone) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Codeine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (3 counts)

Todd Woodman (36) of Mississauga has been charged with the following:

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Trafficking a controlled substance (Cocaine)

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Hydrocodone) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance (Codeine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

All accused were held in custody pending bail hearings in Milton. 

The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Media Inquiries:

Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca