Operation seizes three houses, five vehicles, $60,000 in cash and 8 kg of marijuana

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TORONTO - Two Toronto police officers and three correctional officers were among almost two dozen people arrested yesterday after 63 search warrants were executed in a crackdown on marijuana grow-ops.

Toronto police Chief Bill Blair said he was very disappointed to learn that two of his officers were allegedly involved in a drug trafficking operation that involved marijuana, ecstasy and steroids and money laundering.

It's alleged the "elaborate" operation had been ongoing for at least two years. The police investigation lasted several months before the raids were launched, netting 23 suspects.

Police seized three houses, five vehicles, $60,000 and almost eight kilograms of marijuana.

The officers' alleged involvement is more than just a breach of their oath of duty, it's also a betrayal of their colleagues who strive to maintain the public's trust, said Blair.

The two officers -- Kevin Bourne with nine years of police service and Patrick Lee with eight years on the force -- are in custody.