Seven people are facing a total of 64 charges following an Ontario Provincial Police-led investigation into suspected drug trafficking networks operating in southwestern Ontario.
The Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team began the intelligence-led investigation in January, identifying two separate criminal networks operating independently.
One network was primarily active in the Brantford and Brant County areas, while the other operated in London and on the Oneida Nation of the Thames Settlement.
Investigators executed search warrants at four locations in Brantford and Paris on July 7, with assistance from several OPP units and the Brantford Police Service.
A second series of warrants was carried out August 12 at a residence in London and on the Oneida Nation of the Thames Settlement. Those searches involved the OPP, Oneida Police Service, London Police Service and several other police units.
As a result of the investigation, police seized approximately:
6.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl
420 grams of suspected cocaine
250 grams of suspected methamphetamine
More than $73,500 in cash
A handgun equipped with an auto-switch
A rifle
Three prohibited magazines, including an over-capacity drum magazine
Ammunition and brass knuckles
Drug trafficking paraphernalia
Two stolen camper trailers
A stolen 2019 Honda Civic
Police estimate the drugs have a street value of more than $913,000, while the stolen property is valued at more than $100,000.
The OPP says the amount of fentanyl seized represents approximately 65,000 potentially lethal street-level doses.
Five of the seven accused have been arrested, while arrest warrants have been issued for two others. Police say the accused are facing a combined 64 charges under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
OPP Acting Detective Superintendent Andy Bradford, of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, said removing fentanyl from circulation is an important part of disrupting criminal networks.
“Every quantity of fentanyl removed from circulation is a quantity that cannot reach our neighbourhoods,” Bradford said, adding that the results demonstrate the importance of intelligence-led and partnership-based enforcement.
Oneida Police Service Sergeant Jamie Doxtator said the community has seen the effects of addictions, drug-related crime and illegal firearms firsthand.
“Oneida Nation is committed to keeping the flow of illicit drugs and drug trafficking outside of our community,” Doxtator said, while emphasizing the importance of the partnership with the OPP and its Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team.
The OPP-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team includes members from 19 police services in Ontario and Quebec, along with the RCMP.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacture or trafficking of illicit drugs can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Written by: J. Biggs
