The quiet of the Toronto Regional Bail Centre was broken Thursday as two figures, identified as Toronto Police Constables Brian Da Costa and Timothy Barnhardt, appeared via video link, their fates hanging in the balance. Accusations of leading a criminal enterprise – a network steeped in drugs and corruption – had brought them before the court, and they were immediately remanded into custody.
Both men, described as heavy-set and bearded, remained silent during the brief appearance, their faces obscured by hoodies as they connected from York Regional Police holding cells. A publication ban swiftly descended, shielding the details of the proceedings from immediate public scrutiny.
Timothy Barnhardt, 56, faces a litany of charges, including accepting bribes and trafficking in a dangerous cocktail of drugs: cocaine, oxycodone, and others. His defense rests with Joanne Mulcahy, a lawyer with a reputation for representing members of law enforcement.
Brian Da Costa, 43, is similarly accused of bribery, obstruction of justice, and drug trafficking, with the added allegation of exporting marijuana. He is being represented by Kim Schofield, a prominent figure in the legal community.
The investigation has revealed a disturbing pattern of alleged abuse of power. Investigators claim Barnhardt illegally accessed police databases, extracting addresses that subsequently became focal points for criminal activity – a failed murder, extortion plots, brazen robberies, and violent shootings.
This stolen information wasn’t kept within the walls of the police station. It was allegedly shared with Da Costa and others connected to established criminal networks, effectively arming those on the wrong side of the law with inside knowledge.
The alleged corruption extended beyond simply providing information. Police uncovered a scheme, purportedly orchestrated by Da Costa, where Toronto officers were to actively protect illegal cannabis dispensaries. Bribes were allegedly accepted in exchange for turning a blind eye to enforcement actions.
The scope of Da Costa’s alleged criminal activity reached across continents. He is accused of exporting cannabis to Europe, while authorities simultaneously seized a quantity of the deadly opioid, fentanyl, linked to his operations. The investigation continues to unravel the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
