CORNWALL, Ontario | October 16, 2025: Police in Cornwall have seized 35 firearms and narcotics worth over CAD 2 million as part of a major multi-agency investigation that has led to more than 700 criminal charges and 20 individuals implicated in an alleged cross-border trafficking network. Dubbed Project Fester, the probe began in September 2024 and expanded significantly over the past year.
Initiated by the Cornwall Police Service, the investigation received support from the Ontario Provincial Police, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Ottawa Police Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Kingston Police, and federal American agencies including Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities executed six search warrants on October 8 in Cornwall, Ottawa, and Akwesasne. The raids resulted in the seizure of 33 handguns, two assault-style rifles, prohibited firearm parts, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Police also confiscated three 3D printers believed to have been used in the illegal production of gun components.
In addition to the weapons, investigators seized approximately 8.3 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 5.8 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, along with MDMA, heroin, oxycodone, alprazolam, and hydromorphone. Officers also recovered about CAD 70,000 in cash, one stolen vehicle, and a personal watercraft. The seized firearms are being analyzed and traced through Ontario’s Firearms Analysis and Tracing Enforcement (FATE) program, which is coordinated by the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario.
Project Fester disrupts firearms and drug distribution
The street value of the narcotics is estimated at more than CAD 2 million, while the firearms and prohibited parts are valued at approximately CAD 177,000. Fifteen individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation, with five others still being sought by police. The accused range in age from 18 to 63 and include residents from Ottawa, Cornwall, Apple Hill, Akwesasne, and Hogansburg, New York.
All those arrested are facing multiple charges related to drug trafficking, firearms possession, and organized crime offences under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Among those charged are Lucius Nadler, 18, and Richard Emmerson, 63, both from Ottawa; Richard Eagle, 45, from Cornwall; and Trevin Lazore, 22, from Hogansburg. Police stated that some of the individuals were already known to law enforcement and were allegedly involved in the transportation and distribution of illegal firearms and drugs between Canada and the United States.
Authorities have identified two distinct criminal networks allegedly involved in the case. One network is believed to have been responsible for distributing drugs in eastern Ontario, while the other was focused on smuggling and trafficking firearms, primarily through the Akwesasne region. The St. Lawrence River area, which spans the U.S.-Canada border, has historically presented challenges for law enforcement due to its unique jurisdictional complexities.
15 suspects in custody, 5 others remain at large
The investigation included participation from the Ontario Provincial Police’s Weapons Enforcement Unit, the Border Enforcement Security Task Force, the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, and the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement team. U.S. federal agencies contributed intelligence and coordination on the American side of the border. Cornwall Police Chief Shawna Spowart described the outcome as a significant disruption to organized criminal activity operating in and around the city.
Officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further charges are anticipated as evidence is reviewed. All suspects remain in custody or are being processed through the courts. Police have urged anyone with information related to the case or the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to contact investigators directly. – By Content Syndication Services.