A Toronto drug-trafficking investigation that began after complaints from the community has ended with two arrests and the seizure of three types of drugs and a rifle, according to Toronto Police.
Police say officers seized fentanyl, crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and a .22-calibre rifle while investigating alleged drug trafficking in northwest Toronto.
The investigation began after members of the Toronto Police Service's 31 Division Major Crime Unit received ongoing complaints about suspected drug trafficking in the Jane Street and Wilson Avenue area.
The investigation eventually led officers to another part of the city.
Two Search Warrants Executed
According to Toronto Police, members of the 31 Division and 23 Division Major Crime Units executed two search warrants under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act on September 21 in the Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue West area.
Police said officers located and seized:
- a quantity of fentanyl
- crack cocaine
- crystal methamphetamine
- a rimfire .22-calibre rifle
- one round of ammunition
Toronto Police also released a photograph of the rifle following the investigation.
Police did not specify in the news release the quantities or estimated street value of the drugs allegedly seized.
Two Toronto Men Arrested
Police identified the two people arrested as Aaron Whitting, 54, of Toronto, and Reza Babavalian, 42, of Toronto.
Whitting faces multiple charges, including three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking and three counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.
Police said he was also charged with careless storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, and possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000.
Babavalian was charged with failing to comply with a release order and possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, according to police.
Both men were scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on September 23.
The allegations and charges have not been proven in court.
Why the Investigation Started
One notable part of the case is how Toronto Police say the investigation began.
According to the police release, 31 Division's Major Crime Unit started investigating because of ongoing complaints of drug trafficking around Jane Street and Wilson Avenue.
Police did not provide further details about the complaints, including how many had been received or how long the alleged activity had been reported.
The subsequent search warrants, however, were executed several kilometres away around Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue West.
TwikUp Perspective
This case is a useful reminder of the distinction between an arrest and a conviction.
Toronto Police have reported what officers allegedly seized and have laid a series of criminal charges, but those charges remain allegations unless they are proven in court.
The investigation also illustrates how community complaints can become the starting point for a larger police investigation. In this case, police say complaints around Jane Street and Wilson Avenue eventually led Major Crime officers to execute two search warrants in another Toronto neighbourhood.
Anyone with information about the investigation can contact Toronto Police's 31 Division or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Source: Toronto Police Service, 31 Division — Case #2026-1993470, published September 25, 2026.
Official source: Toronto Police Service — Two Men Arrested in Drug Trafficking Investigation