The operation, dubbed Project Magnet, began in response to community concerns about drug trafficking in Oshawa, Whitby and Ajax. One area given special attention in the investigation included a subdivision near Durham College and UOIT in Oshawa that has been the subject of numerous complaints from the community.

During the investigation, undercover officers from the Drug and Gang Enforcement Units bought cocaine and other drugs on the street. The operation resulted in more than 200 charges against the 63 people arrested, most of them for trafficking cocaine.

Police thanked the community for their co-operation with the investigation, during which officers also seized drugs, including crack cocaine, marijuana and oxycodone as well as cash, guns and ammunition for a total value of $40,000.

Forty-five of the incidents took place in Oshawa, 14 inWhitby and four in Ajax. Of the 63 people charged, 36 are residents of Oshawa, seven are from Whitby, four were from Toronto, three were from Ajax and the rest were from other locations.

Police urge anyone with information about drugs in their community to contact the Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-888-579-1520 or call Crimestoppers at 1-800-22-8477.