Canada Police Dismantle Icy White North Dark Web Network

York Regional Police dismantled the Icy White North dark web drug network, seizing $3 million in drugs, crypto, cash and luxury assets.

York Regional Police say they have dismantled a major Canadian dark web drug distribution network known as Icy White North, following an investigation that resulted in the seizure of approximately $3 million worth of drugs along with cryptocurrency, cash, firearms and other assets.

The investigation, known as Project Ghostwire, was conducted by the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit and Cybercrime Unit, with support from Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario.

Investigators began the operation in January 2026 after identifying what police described as a high-volume dark web vendor operating under the name Icy White North.

Police said online sources indicated that Icy White North had been operating since approximately 2022 and had accumulated more than 9,000 positive reviews. Investigators also found indications that the operation was generating more than $100,000 per month, potentially amounting to millions of dollars over several years.

The marketplace appeared to cater exclusively to Canadian customers and advertised a range of controlled substances, including cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs.

Det. Sgt. Stephen Beale said parcels were delivered to customers using Canada’s legitimate postal infrastructure. (York Regional Police)

Orders reportedly ranged from smaller quantities to kilogram-level transactions. Customers communicated with the vendor through encrypted platforms, while cryptocurrency was used for payments. Police said the drugs were then packaged and shipped through legitimate mail services to customers across Canada.

On February 20, 2026, investigators executed multiple search warrants at locations connected to the investigation.

One of the searches took place at a residence in Mississauga that police said was being used in the day-to-day operation of the online drug network.

Officers seized more than 5.5 kilograms of fentanyl in pill and powder form. Police estimate that the amount represented approximately 48,000 potentially fatal doses.

The seizure also included 5.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 3.5 kilograms of cocaine, 4.5 kilograms of ketamine, 700 grams of heroin and 5.4 kilograms of MDMA.

Additional seizures included 205 grams of crack cocaine, more than 1,100 LSD tabs, 11,800 Xanax pills, 290 oxycodone pills and 110 hydromorphone pills.

York Regional Police estimated the total street value of the seized drugs at approximately $3 million.

Investigators also seized approximately $200,000 in cryptocurrency and another $200,000 in Canadian currency.

A carbine assault rifle and ammunition were also recovered.

Police said more than $1 million in proceeds-of-crime assets were seized, including high-end vehicles and luxury watches.

Among the vehicles was a McLaren 765LT, along with a Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe. Police also seized other luxury items, including high-end watches, handbags and wallets.

A McLaren 765LT coupe seized by York Regional Police as part of Project Ghostwire Photo by Handout /York Regional Police

The McLaren 765LT is a high-performance supercar with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 765 PS, according to McLaren’s specifications.

York Regional Police said the investigation marked the first time in the force’s history that it had seized a significant amount of cryptocurrency as part of an investigation.

Five people have been charged in connection with Project Ghostwire, facing a total of 81 charges.

Those publicly identified include 38-year-old Cedric Olipano of Mississauga, 23-year-old Lexia Oliver of Toronto, 42-year-old Pui Yan Lai of Oakville and 34-year-old Benjamin Cuenta of Vaughan.

The charges include conspiracy, trafficking and possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking. Some of the accused also face firearms, weapons and proceeds-of-crime charges.

One additional person was initially identified in reporting following the police announcement. However, an Ontario court subsequently withdrew that charge, and the person’s name was removed from reporting. That individual is therefore not identified here.

All of the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

York Regional Police described Icy White North as a significant Canada-based dark web drug supplier.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Beale said investigators believe the operation had the capacity to supply other drug traffickers because of the kilogram-level quantities being offered through the marketplace.

The investigation also demonstrates how dark web marketplaces can combine online communications and cryptocurrency payments with conventional delivery networks.

While Icy White North provided an online point of contact for customers, investigators ultimately identified physical locations connected to the operation in the Greater Toronto Area.

Project Ghostwire has now resulted in the seizure of drugs, cryptocurrency, cash, firearms, luxury vehicles and other assets, while the accused individuals face criminal charges.

Source: Toronto Sun and CBC