Three people, including a Barrie man, have been arrested and charged in connection to an alleged drug- and human-trafficking investigation in the Innisfil area.
An arrest warrant is also being sought for a fourth person.
South Simcoe police say officers made multiple arrests and seized more than $30,000 in illegal drugs following a human-trafficking investigation dubbed Project Chameleon.
In May 2023, South Simcoe police say they received a report of a female being held in an Innisfil home for the alleged purpose of providing sexual services.
"Initial investigation identified two males as being involved in trafficking the female victim and exploiting her for financial gain. Further to the allegations of human trafficking, the female victim reported that one of the suspects had sexually assaulted her," police stated in a news release.
The South Simcoe Police Service launched Project Chameleon, an initiative funded by the Ontario government, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), to combat human trafficking.
As the investigation progressed, local police say three suspects were identified as being responsible for posting online advertisements for sexual services in relation to several females from the Bradford and Innisfil areas, including the original female victim.
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, in partnership with the York Regional Police Service and the Barrie Police Service, the South Simcoe police say officers executed search warrants at an Innisfil residence and in Newmarket.
Police say they seized more than $30,000 in illegal drugs including fentanyl, crystal meth, cocaine and a quality of pills believed to be oxycodone.
Police also say they are working with support agencies to assist the victims identified in this investigation.
Tyrone Aaron Dias, 38, of Innisfil, has been charged with trafficking in persons, material benefit from the trafficking of persons, material benefit from sexual services, and advertising sexual services. In addition, Dias was also charged with several drug-related offences, including four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and four counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Jashyna Singh, 29, of Brampton, has been charged with trafficking in persons, material benefit from the trafficking of persons, material benefit from sexual services, and advertising sexual services. In addition, Singh was also charged with several drug-related offences, including four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and four counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Royden Reis, 38, of Barrie, has been charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and four counts of possession of a controlled substance.
All three were held for bail hearings.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing as investigators are seeking the whereabouts of 37-year-old Oneil Burnel Hopkinson, who has ties to Newmarket and Brampton.
An arrest warrant is being sought for Hopkinson on charges including trafficking in persons, material benefit from the trafficking of persons, material benefit from sexual services, advertising sexual services, and sexual assault.
Victims of human trafficking are urged to seek assistance by contacting the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010.
If there is anyone who can provide additional information related to this investigation, they are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477) or the investigators listed below.
Det. Const. Holly Murray – [email protected] or 905-775-3311, ext. 1009
Det. Const. Dan Raymond – [email protected] or 905-775-3311 ext. 1027
Det. Const. Andrew Smith – [email protected] or 905-775-3311 ext. 1043.
