Project Winnie leads to drug and gun bust in Georgina, one man charged

York Regional Police have arrested a Georgina man and seized a loaded firearm, suspected cocaine, and cash following a drug trafficking investigation known as Project Winnie.

The investigation, led by the York Regional Police #3 District Criminal Investigation Bureau, began in April 2026 after officers received information about an individual allegedly trafficking controlled substances in Georgina and surrounding communities.

Investigators identified two residences linked to the suspect, one in Georgina and another in Barrie.

On June 16, police arrested the suspect and executed search warrants at both residences as well as two vehicles connected to the investigation. During the searches, officers recovered a quantity of suspected cocaine, Canadian currency believed to be proceeds of crime, and a loaded firearm.

Poosanan Uthayakumar, 26, of Georgina, has been charged with multiple offences, including drug trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, several firearm-related offences, possession of proceeds of crime, and failing to comply with probation conditions.

Police said Uthayakumar was on probation and subject to a weapons prohibition order at the time of the alleged offences.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7345, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.