Three Hamiltonians arrested in crime family 'dismantling'

Nineteen people, including three Hamiltonians, associated with the 'Ndrangheta criminal organization were arrested and charged with numerous offences early Tuesday morning.

About 260 officers from eight different police forces and agencies combined to help investigators target and "dismantle" the highest levels of the criminal organization, a press release said.

Nicknamed "Project OPHOENIX," the investigation obtained 25 search warrants and involved many different police forces, including the Hamilton Police Services.

The list of those arrested includes Antonio Agresta, 43, Adam D'Andrea, 58, and Carlo Fazzari, 41, all from Hamilton.

The three men are charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, while D'Andrea was additionally charged with careless storage of a firearm and ammunition.

A total of 8.5 kilograms of cocaine was seized as a result of the GTA-wide investigation. Police also found and seized three firearms, seven kilograms of marijuana, cash and five vehicles.

The 'Ndrangheta is a group of Mafiafamilies originating from southern Italy. The organization has spread to several other countries, the release said, including Canada.

The crime groups have combined their efforts at all levels regionally, nationally and internationally in order to, "elude enforcement, expand territorial influence and secure sources of income," said the release.

"The presence of such organized crime groups brings an element of criminality to our communities that is unacceptable," said Superintendent Keith Finn, officer in charge of the GTA's Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.

"Drug importation, drug and firearm trafficking, extortion and the associated violence that accompanies these illegal activities puts our citizens at risk," he said.