The OPP have arrested 28 people in connection with an elaborate auto-theft ring and recovered at least 215 vehicles valued at more than $12 million. Drug paraphernalia was also seized.

Those charged range in age from 27 to 59, and it’s been confirmed some of the accused are Service Ontario employees. Most of the accused are from the Greater Toronto Area, with others residing in Gravenhurst and Stoney Creek on the east end of Hamilton.

The OPP say the criminal organization worked jointly out of Ontario and Saskatchewan. The investigation has gone on for nearly two years.

The criminal network would modify VIN numbers of the stolen vehicles and then sell them to unsuspecting customers.

About one-third of the vehicles recovered were Acuras and Hondas.

The organization primarily worked out of Peel, Durham and York Regions. The investigation was spearheaded by OPP in Peel and Halton Regions.

Police also confiscated firearms, suspected fentanyl, suspected cocaine, cannabis and suspected psilocybin.