A police officer engaging in drug activity before duty, a stash of police attire for sale, discussions about drug transactions, and plans to establish massage parlors were reportedly captured through wiretaps by Project South investigators as part of their extensive corruption investigation. These revelations were disclosed in newly disclosed details from an Information to Obtain (ITO) application in the case.
A publication ban on these allegations, along with many others from the Project South ITO, was lifted this week by Ontario Superior Court Justice Laura Bird.
“The significance of public scrutiny in this instance cannot be emphasized enough. What is most troubling about the allegations of widespread police corruption in this case is that the York Regional Police stumbled upon it during their investigation,” Bird stated in her ruling.
The probe commenced in June 2025 when the York Regional Police thwarted an alleged plot to harm a senior corrections official at the Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC). Subsequent to this incident, it was discovered that Toronto police Const. Timothy Barnhardt reportedly conducted an unauthorized search on the official’s license plate less than a month before the attempted crime.
“There is no indication that anyone was suspicious of Mr. Barnhardt or his associates until that moment,” Bird noted in her decision.
CBC News, among other media organizations, pushed for the removal of the publication ban on the ITO, which outlines extensive evidence gathered by police from wiretaps and other warrants.
The allegations in the ITO have not been validated in court, but numerous conversations intercepted by investigators depict the corruption that Barnhardt and other Toronto police officers and civilians allegedly partook in over several months in 2025 and early this year before their arrests.
Here are five of the most startling conversations intercepted by the police.
Attending daycare with ‘cocaine eyes’
In early October 2025, investigators intercepted Barnhardt purchasing cocaine from Const. Saurabjit Bedi in a Brampton, Ont., plaza, as per the ITO. Barnhardt’s vehicle was equipped with audio and video recording devices, and investigators claim the duo were “observed weighing out the drugs and negotiating a price of $230 for Barnhardt to pay.”
Subsequently, Bedi called Barnhardt, and their conversation was transcribed in the ITO. Bedi asked Barnhardt if he appeared affected when they met, to which Barnhardt replied, “Just put your sunglasses on, that’s all, you got … what do they call them … cocaine eyes.”
Police indicated that the two then discussed drug dosages. In December 2025, police allegedly witnessed Bedi “consuming what appeared to be cocaine” in the parking lot of 12 Division before commencing his shift.
Both Barnhardt and Bedi face charges of cocaine trafficking, which are pending court validation. Barnhardt’s legal representative declined to comment on the ITO allegations, while Bedi’s lawyer did not respond to requests for comments.
‘All they want is protection’
In late November 2025, police intercepted Barnhardt and Bedi consuming alcohol and drugs while discussing plans for a marijuana dispensary and a massage parlor, according to the ITO.
Bedi informed Barnhardt that he has “girls” who seek protection and safety, offering them cuts. He purportedly suggested using hotels for their activities.
Investigators stated that Barnhardt clarified to Bedi that they were discussing massage parlors, not escorts. Both individuals are charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice and breach of trust.
‘What about all this stuff in the trunk man?’
In late October 2025, investigators recorded a meeting between Barnhardt and civilian Brian Da Costa in Barnhardt’s vehicle. Da Costa allegedly paid Barnhardt cash for police uniform items that Barnhardt had stored in his trunk.
The ITO included a transcript of their conversation:
Barnhardt: “What about all this stuff in the trunk man…?”
Da Costa: “Oh yeah, my bad; I forgot for a moment what you were trying to give me.”
Barnhardt: “I’m like, what are the pants, and the NCO pants are in here too, there are jackets… I got the other jacket I just need to pick up with the toque and everything.”
Da Costa: “I might get some money for this and get more, okay?”
Barnhardt: “I’ll get you the hats and ball
