RCMP arrests 15 people in Quebec cocaine trafficking operation

RCMP laid charges against 16 people in a major cocaine trafficking operation that spanned four years, with 15 arrested in Quebec and one still being sought outside the country.

The investigation, called Project Chrome and led by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit and the Money Laundering Investigative Team with assistance from the Canada Revenue Agency, targeted an organized trafficking network. Franco Lopez, 61, of Montreal is alleged to be the leader; his brother Pasquale Lopez, 53, also of Montreal, was arrested Tuesday morning. At least four women were among the 15 arrested across multiple locations including Blainville, Sainte-Julienne, and Gatineau.

Charges include cocaine trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, money laundering, possession of criminally obtained property, trafficking in criminally obtained property, conspiracy, offences under the Income Tax Act, and offences committed for the benefit of or at the direction of a criminal organization.

Investigators seized 14 kilograms of cocaine, over $145,000 in cash, and placed seizure orders on six properties linked to alleged organization members, with total seized assets valued at more than $9 million. The investigation alleged proceeds from drug sales were used to finance building renovations linked to organization members, and that the organization operated an illegal gaming house in Montreal. According to investigators, Franco Lopez owns Les entreprises Frajo Inc., a construction company on 9th Avenue that was searched in March 2024.

Many of those arrested have no previous criminal records. The accused are expected to appear via videoconference at Montreal courthouse. Franco and Pasquale Lopez were previously arrested in 2015 in an operation called Project Magot-Mastiff.