Police seize 'astounding quantity' of drugs during morning raids across Ontario

The investigation, dubbed Project Blackhawk, resulted in 36 search warrants being executed in the Toronto region, Waterloo, Guelph, South Simcoe and Timmins.

"The investigative strategies of the Blackhawk team uncovered a dynamic and highly successful criminal enterprise operating out of the Greater Toronto Area," Blair said in a press conference.

"Vast amounts of illegal drugs were seized during this investigation," including 59 kilograms of methamphetamines, 400,000 ecstasy tablets, three kilograms of cocaine and 60 kilograms of marijuana, he added.

Police also seized a large amount of cash, 35 handguns and 50,000 illegally manufactured Viagra pills.

The investigation began in 2006 after U.S. authorities alerted police that 237 handguns had been smuggled into Canada from the U.S., said Blair. The tip led to investigations which uncovered "a vast manufacturing and distribution network of illegal narcotics and other drugs."

"The persons involved in the smuggling of these weapons were quickly identified and have been the subject of an intense, complex and ultimately successful investigation," said Blair.

He did not say how many people were arrested but added that more information will be provided in a press conference Friday morning.

The seizures and arrests were the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Toronto Police Integrated Guns and Gangs Task Force, the Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit and the Waterloo Regional Police Service.