RCMP Bust Ontario-Linked Cocaine Import Plot via Halifax Port
Community Safety Alert for Ontario Residents
Federal investigators have dismantled an alleged drug import network after seizing approximately 248.7 kilograms of cocaine that arrived in Canada through a shipping container in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The shipment, originating from the Dominican Republic, was intercepted on March 3, 2026 and linked to suspects in both Quebec and Ontario.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) detected the drugs during a targeted examination of a container at the Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility in Halifax. Following the seizure, the case was referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Federal Policing – Central Region, which has now charged three men from Montreal, Thorold (Ontario), and Mississauga (Ontario) in connection with the suspected importation and trafficking operation. The accused are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on May 13, 2026.
Official Incident Details
According to the RCMP and CBSA, the incident unfolded as follows:
- On March 3, 2026, a shipment entering Canada via Halifax, Nova Scotia was flagged for inspection by the CBSA National Targeting Centre.
- At the Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility, CBSA officers used X-ray technology to examine the container.
- Officers located 1,178 individual packages concealed within flatbread and wrapped in carbon paper.
- Field testing indicated the substance was suspected cocaine, totalling approximately 248.7 kg.
- The CBSA seized the suspected cocaine and transferred the investigation to the RCMP Federal Policing – Central Region.
- Health Canada provided detailed forensic analysis to confirm the substance was cocaine.
- CN Railway Police assisted during the movement of the shipping container following its arrival in Halifax.
The importer and alleged co-conspirators have been identified as:
- Peter Pompeo, 58, of Montreal, Quebec (identified as the importer of the shipment).
- Taylor Bixby, 35, of Thorold, Ontario.
- Zachary Daniel Ardizzi, 33, of Mississauga, Ontario.
Investigators allege these three individuals were working together to bring cocaine into Canada and distribute it within the country. For broader context on drug-related trends and organized crime pressure in the Halifax region, residents can review the Halifax Crime Statistics & Safety Report and our wider Halifax, Nova Scotia crime and safety data.
Charges Laid
All three accused have been arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Importing a controlled substance listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), namely cocaine, contrary to section 6(1) of the CDSA.
- Conspiracy to import a controlled substance listed in Schedule I of the CDSA, namely cocaine, contrary to section 6(1) of the CDSA and section 465(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (Schedule I, cocaine), contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA.
- Conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance listed in Schedule I of the CDSA, namely cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA and section 456(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
The three accused are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on May 13, 2026. At this time, police have not requested public assistance related to this specific investigation.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective for Ontario
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this seizure is a critical reminder of how large-scale drug importation attempts at ports in other provinces, such as Halifax, can directly impact communities in Ontario. Cocaine shipments of this magnitude are typically destined for distribution networks that reach urban centres, smaller cities, and suburban areas alike, fuelling addiction, associated violence, and property crime. For Ontario residents, especially in regions like Thorold, Mississauga and the broader GTA, staying informed about upstream trafficking routes is an important part of understanding local crime dynamics.
We encourage community members to report suspicious activity linked to drug trafficking—such as unusual short-term visits to a residence, heavy foot or vehicle traffic at all hours, or strong chemical odours—to their local police service or to Crime Stoppers in their area. While this particular operation was intercepted at the border, the demand and distribution networks that make such shipments profitable are often embedded in our neighbourhoods. Awareness, early reporting, and community collaboration with law enforcement are key to reducing the harm that major cocaine importations can cause across Ontario.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the ontario community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.