Dawn raids target T.O. street gang, 70 arrested

A large portion of a notorious street gang with international links has been dismantled after 70 people were arrested in an early-morning raid across the GTA, Toronto police say.

Police also seized a “significant” amount of firearms and narcotics in the operation, code-named Project Patton, targetting the Five Point Generals.

More than 800 officers took part in the raid, with more than 50 search warrants executed at 5 a.m. Thursday by Toronto, Peel, York and Durham police.

“These are thugs that collectively use guns to shoot other people,” Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders said at a morning news conference. “These were not about random arrests, they were very focal.”

Saunders said the gang operated as a “highly organized criminal organization” and had a significant impact on violent crime across the city, but specifically in their base at Weston Rd. and Lawrence Ave. W.

Saunders wouldn’t comment when asked if the gang was involved in any of the recent rash of shootings in Toronto. He said the gang had connections beyond the GTA — to other parts of Canada, the U.S. and the Caribbean.

The chief declined to elaborate when pressed for more details on the gang. “When I start talking about the history of them, that gives them credibility,” he said. “If I start bigging them up, in the terminology, then I’m doing them a favour and I’m not going to do that.”