In a landmark operation, police in Hamilton have arrested two dozen individuals and laid a staggering 172 charges in a massive investigation targeting a street gang known for its violent activities across Ontario. Dubbed "Project Churchill," this extensive investigation began back in 2019 after police observed a marked increase in violent crime in downtown Hamilton, attributed to a gang that calls itself the Hot Mali Squad.

Authorities allege that this gang is not only involved in violent incidents but is also linked to serious offenses such as homicides, drug trafficking, daytime shootings, and armed robberies across Hamilton and its neighboring cities, including Toronto, Waterloo, and Halton. The sweep has unveiled connections between the Hot Mali Squad and a notorious Bahamas-based gang faction known as the Dirty South. This organization is accused of smuggling illegal firearms from the United States into the Toronto area, highlighting the transnational nature of the crime involved.

On November 13, a coordinated effort by the Hamilton Police Service, alongside various other law enforcement agencies, led to the execution of 17 search warrants throughout southern Ontario, resulting in the apprehension of 24 people, among them a 17-year-old girl. The charges they face span a wide range of offenses, marking a significant blow against gang activities in the region.

Despite this major operation, police continue the hunt for a 39-year-old man who remains at large, while three of the accused are also sought for other crimes committed in the Bahamas. This investigation serves as a grim reminder of the pervasive nature of gang violence and organized crime, urging the community and authorities to remain vigilant against these threats.

As the details of Project Churchill unfold, residents of Hamilton and surrounding areas are left wondering—could this operation mark a turning point in the fight against gang violence? The ramifications of this investigation may reverberate through communities, in hopes of restoring safety and order in the streets.