Pharmacist linked to opioid trafficking ring

Man charged by York Regional Police has ties to stores in Tilbury, Windsor

A pharmacist charged by York Regional Police in connection with an alleged opioid trafficking ring has ties to the Tilbury and Windsor area.

John Gerges, 35, is one of six people recently named by the York Regional Police Intelligence Bureau as suspects in the trafficking of opiates in pill form.

A spokesperson for York Regional Police confirmed Gerges is a registered pharmacist, and that his residences include an address in Tilbury.

The Ontario College of Pharmacists lists a pharmacy professional named John Gerges whose workplaces are Mill Street Pharmacy in Tilbury and Totten Pharmacy in Windsor.

The OCP also lists that Gerges was charged in Toronto in December with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and that he is currently living with a surety under house arrest conditions.

York Regional Police said officers seized more than $500,000 worth of opioid drugs in their investigation. Along with Gerges, a second pharmacist was among the six people charged.

The other accused are listed as Sandra Youssef, 30, of Toronto; Walter Jovel, 27, of Toronto; Sahir Shemun, 39, of Vaughan; Blarsn Zaro, 31, of Vaughan; and Firas George, 36, of Vaughan.

The investigation began in late 2019. The initial search warrant was executed in Toronto in December. Multiple arrests were made at that time.

In addition to the opioids, York Regional Police seized a firearm and more than $220,000 in cash.

Gerges has been charged with a total of three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a forged document with criminal intent.

Gerges’ profile with the OCP shows he was educated at Cairo University in Egypt and he can provide services in Arabic.

In April 2017, Gerges was reprimanded by the OCP’S discipline committee for professional misconduct.

The decision was in relation to multiple incidents that took place in 2014 and 2015. The panel found Gerges failed to maintain the standards of the profession, failed to keep patient records as required and engaged in conduct considered unprofessional and dishonourable.

In one complaint, which involved a customer of Mill Street Pharmacy in 2014, Gerges dispensed the incorrect medication for a period of six months.

According to the OCP, when the error came to light and Gerges was under investigation, he tried to offer “significant compensation” to the complainant — “and repeatedly contacted her and attempted to contact her to discuss the offer.”

Gerges’ registration as a pharmacist was temporarily suspended in May 2017 as part of disciplinary actions against him. He was reinstated as a pharmacist in September 2017.

York Regional Police said their investigation continues.

Anyone with more information about this case or the accused is encouraged to contact the York Regional Police intelligence bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7835.

Anonymous tips can be made via York Region Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.1800222tips.com.