UPDATE 1 - Project Road King

UPDATE 1 – Project Road King

The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) and the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), continues to advance the Project Road King investigation, a large-scale Joint Forces Operation targeting organized crime networks involved in drug trafficking and organized auto theft.

As previously announced, Project Road King concluded its official takedown on September 9, 2025, resulting at that time in 30 arrests, 213 charges, significant drug and firearm seizures, and the recovery of 38 stolen vehicles valued at more than $3.3 million.

Project Road King is a Joint Forces Operation led by the Niagara Regional Police Service, in partnership with the RCMP CFSEU which includes the Hamilton Police Service, the Brantford Police Service, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), with additional assistance from Halton Regional Police Service and support from both the CISO and Équité Association.

The investigation focused on dismantling networks responsible for large-scale drug trafficking while simultaneously addressing related criminal activity, including organized auto-theft.

Since the takedown phase of the operation, members of the NRPS Major Drugs and Gangs Unit (MDGU) have been engaged in the extensive processing and forensic analysis of seized evidence, including numerous electronic devices.

Through continued collaboration with the CBSA, detectives also recovered 43 additional stolen vehicles valued at more than $3.8 million.  The vehicles were located at a port in British Columbia and were destined for international shipment.

As a result of the investigation, 3 individuals were taken into custody on February 18 and 19, 2026.  Efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest a fourth individual, who remains outstanding.

39-year-old Keir McColl of Ancaster is facing the following criminal charges:

•             Conspiracy to Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Conspiracy to Commit Theft Over $5000

•             Conspiracy to Intimidate by Threats of Violence

•             Unlawfully Producing Fentanyl

•             Possession of Cocaine for the Purposes of Trafficking

•             Failing to Comply with Release Order

32-year-old Tudor Sopterian of Hamilton is facing the following criminal charges:

•             Conspiracy to Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Conspiracy to Commit Theft Over $5000

•             Conspiracy to Intimidate by Threats of Violence

•             Unlawfully Producing Fentanyl

•             Failing to Comply with Release Order

43-year-old Dejan Zlojo of Etobicoke is facing the following criminal charges:

•             Conspiracy to Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Conspiracy to Commit Theft Over $5000

Detectives have issued an arrest warrant for 58-year-old Nikola Scepanovic of Burlington for the following criminal charges:

•             Conspiracy to Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Conspiracy to Commit Theft Over $5000

McColl, Sopterian, and Zlojo all remain in custody, following bail hearings. 

Project Road King remains an active investigation, and further charges are anticipated.

“Project Road King highlights the power of coordinated, intelligence-led policing.  While the initial takedown disrupted a significant organized crime network, our work continues,” said Chief of Police Bill Fordy.  “The additional arrests and recovery of stolen vehicles destined for international shipment demonstrate our commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises that fuel drug trafficking and auto theft in our communities.  We will continue working alongside our partners to dismantle these networks and hold those responsible accountable”

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009320.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

The successful completion of this lengthy 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 Joint Forces investigation.

About Équité Association

As the national authority on insurance crime and fraud prevention, Équité Association is a not-for-profit organization supporting Canadian property and casualty (P&C) insurers. Équité combats the insurance crime problem that takes advantage of vulnerable Canadians by deploying advanced analytics, intelligence best practices, and coordinated investigations. Delivering improved service and fraud analytics for vehicle, property, and cargo recovery to its members, Équité collaborates with law enforcement, partners and industry organizations to protect Canadians against exploitation.

 

Original Release

In August 2024 the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Major Drugs and Gang Unit received information from the Kingston Police Service (KPS) about a male they believed was delivering a substantial quantity of suspected drugs to a supplier in Kingston. The male was identified as Curtis “TINY” GRAVELLE, a resident of Welland, Ontario.

The information received started the initial probe phase of this investigation which confirmed to detectives that GRAVELLE was involved in a large-scale drug trafficking network. Other criminal offences in addition to drug trafficking were also observed.

In April 2025, the investigation moved into the project phase, dubbed Project ROADKING, as a joint forces operation with the RCMP- Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) and NRPS with the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO) assisting with funding.

Investigators engaged Crown support from the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) and Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG). With the help of various investigative leads and tools, detectives were able to determine that several auto thefts were also a part of this drug trafficking ring.

Throughout the spring of 2025, proactive investigative steps led to the arrest of several people and several seizures including guns, controlled substances, stolen vehicles, and cash.

In June 2025, an individual identified in Project ROADKING was also the subject of an active investigation by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS).  This led to cooperation and resource sharing between the Project Team and the HRPS.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the official takedown of Project ROADKING occurred with the execution of numerous search warrants in Niagara, Hamilton, and Toronto, resulting in the seizure of:

•             12.25kg of suspected Cocaine ($245,000.00)

•             1 kg of suspected Methamphetamine ($5,000.00)

•             1.5 kg MDMA ($15,000.00)

•             1 kg of an unknown substance

•             38 Recovered stolen vehicles ($3,363,652.00)

•             17 Long guns

•             3 Handguns

•             $581,579.00 in Canadian Currency

•             $4,805.00 in U.S. Currency

 

In total, 30 people were arrested and charged.  Collectively, the group faces 212 charges.

Curtis (Tiny) GRAVELLE, 31-year-old male, from Welland (42 charges) (in custody)

•             5 counts of Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence

•             11 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             2 counts of Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)

•             2 counts of Traffic in Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             6 counts of Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             9 counts of Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Careless Storage of a Firearm

•             Possess Firearm without Holding a Licence

•             Possess Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle

•             Possession of a Loaded Regulated Firearm

•             Possess Firearm Knowing Serial Number has been Tampered

•             Possess Firearm Contrary to Order

 

Tim GRAVELLE, 36-year-old female, from Pelham (12 charges) (in custody)

•             4 counts of Conspiracy to Possess Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)

•             Conspiracy to Traffic Prohibited Firearm

•             Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Prohibited Firearm

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm

•             Firearm in Motor Vehicle

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Re-Vin Alteration of a Vin on a Motor Vehicle

 

Brandon BARREIRA, 31-year-old male, from Hamilton (4 charges) (in custody)

•             Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence

•             2 counts of Possession Schedule I Substance (Cocaine) For the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000

 

Samantha GRAVELLE, 27-year-old female, from Welland (4 charges)

•             2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Uttering Forged Document

•             Fraud Over $5000

 

Michael VANDERZANDEN, 39-year-old male, from Hamilton (7 charges)

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Exceeding $5000

•             Possession or Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking Exceeding $5000

•             2 counts of Possess Property of Thing Obtained by Crime within Canada Exceeding $5000

•             Utter Forged Document

•             Fraud Over $5000

 

Tudor SOPTERIAN, 32-year-old male, from Hamilton (8 charges)

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm

•             Careless Storage of a Firearm

•             Possession of Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000

•             Remove/Alter Vehicle Identification Number

•             Fraud Over $5000

•             Public Mischief

 

Andrija LOJOVIC, 44-year-old male, from Grimsby (3 charges)

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Possession or Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking Over $5000

 

Chad HARTLEY, 50-year-old male, from Welland (24 charges)

•             10 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             7 counts of Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             7 counts of Possession or Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking Over $5000

 

Christopher DAYBOLL, 33-year-old male, from Port Colborne (3 charges)

•             Conspiracy to Possess Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

 

Justin BARTFAI-BELL, 31-year-old female, from Thorold (1 charge)

•             Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

 

Keiran BARTON, 23-year-old male, from Etobicoke (3 charges)

•             Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000

 

Courtney TAYLOR, 36-year-old female, from Hamilton (5 charges)

•             2 counts of Conspiracy to Possess Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             2 counts of Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000

 

Marta LEITE, 54-year-old female, from Hamilton (1 charge)

•             Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

 

Andrew FUGERE, 32-year-old male, from Port Colborne (8 charges)

•             2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime

•             Possess Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Utter Forged Document

•             Fraud Over $5000

•             Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

 

Khalid IDRIS, 35-year-old male, from Toronto (5 charges)

•             2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over

•             Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Alter/Remove or Obliterate a Vehicle Identification Number

 

Marc- Andre PERIARD, 41-year-old male, from Welland (10 charges)

•             4 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             3 counts of Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             3 counts of Possess Property Obtained of Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking

 

Taylor VANDERZANDEN, 29-year-old male, from Pelham (4 charges)

•             Possess Firearm Knowingly Not Holding Licence

•             Possess Firearm Without Holding a Licence

•             Careless Storage of Firearm

•             Possession Schedule I For the Purpose of Trafficking

 

Auston ROBINSON, 31-year-old male, from Pelham (5 charges)

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             2 counts of Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             2 counts of Possess Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking

 

Courtney BROWN, 37-year-old male, from Niagara Falls (4 charges)

•             Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence

•             2 counts of Possession Schedule I Substance (Cocaine) For the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

 

Kier MCCOLL, 39-year-old male, from Hamilton (5 charges)

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000

•             Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence

•             Possession Schedule I Substance (Cocaine) For the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Possession Schedule I Substance (Cocaine)

•             Possession Schedule I Substance (MDMA)    

 

Brody O’DELL, 2-year-old male, from Lincoln (7 charges)

•             3 counts of Traffic Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             4 counts of Possess Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking

 

Tristan GORDON, 31-year-old male, from Niagara Falls (2 charges)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime

 

Brenda DUBE, 50-year-old female, from Niagara Falls (2 charges)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime

 

Ryan MCMANN, 34-year-old male, from Welland (3 charges)

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Exceeding $5000

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 for the Purpose of Trafficking

 

Santoy MCKENLY, 33-year-old male, of No Fixed Abode (1 charge)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking

 

Darryl DAVANCE, 24-year-old male, from Montreal (14 charges)

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000

•             2 counts of Possession of Device for Purpose of Committing Theft

•             2 counts of Possession of Burglary Tools

•             4 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000

•             Fail to Comply with Release Order

•             Possession or Prohibited Weapon

•             Possession of Electronic Device for Committing Motor Vehicle Theft

•             Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Theft of Motor Vehicle

 

Jovenson ESTIME, 23-year-old male, from Montreal (14 charges)  

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000

•             2 counts of Possession of Device for Purpose of Committing Theft

•             2 counts of Possession of Burglary Tools

•             4 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000

•             Failing to Comply with Probation Order

•             Possession or Prohibited Weapon

•             Possession of Electronic Device for Committing Motor Vehicle Theft

•             Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Theft of Motor Vehicle

 

Rocco LAURENTI, 27-year-old male, from Pelham (1 charge)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking

 

Joshua ST. AMOUR, 26-year-old male, from Thorold (8 charges)

•             Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine)

•             Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000

•             Obstruct Peace Officer

•             3 counts of Fail to Comply with Probation Order

 

Lexi JUDGE, 25-year-old female, from Niagara Falls (3 charges)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine)

•             Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000

Curtis “Tiny” GRAVELLE, Timothy GRAVELLE and Brandon BARREIRA remain in custody.  The remaining 27 accused persons were released on various forms.

This collaborative effort demonstrates the amount of success that can be achieved in the battle against organized crime rings.  The arrest of 30 people and recovery of over 3 million dollars worth of stolen vehicles, the removal of 20 guns and over 12kg of illegal drugs from our streets, shows how large these rings can become.  These achievements go a long way to increasing the safety of our communities. 

The successful completion of this lengthy 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 Joint Forces investigation.