Several southwestern Ontario residents face charges following a lengthy investigation into illegal drug trafficking rings by members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Members of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) ignited Project PINECREEK in 2012 as a project to gather evidence of illegal drug trafficking. It was then escalated in July 2014 and unveiled significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine were being distributed in Huron County, Lambton County, and Perth County.
At a news conference today, Inspector Chris Martin of Huron County Detachment and OPP Detective-Inspector Steve Clegg of OCEB unveiled details of the investigation and samples of the evidence seized during the probe.
Local police leaders also stressed the need for collaborative action to support real improvement in the lives of people, communities and neighbourhoods by reducing harm and victimization.
The OPP will be engaging and mobilizing community partners to follow-up this investigation.
“The inappropriate use, abuse, and diversion of illegal and prescription narcotics are public health and safety issues, and our small or rural communities are not immune,” stated Martin. “Project PINECREEK is a great example the professionalism, dedication and teamwork required to keep our communities safe.”
OPP have charged 33 people with 186 offences including charges relating to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code of Canada (Proceeds of Crime, Prohibited Weapons).
Of the 33 people, four of them are from Lambton County:
– 31-year-old male
– 24-year-old female
– 40-year-old male
– 37-year-old female
Project PINECREEK was conducted by OCEB Drug Enforcement-West in partnership with the members of the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, OPP Emergency Response Team and Community Drug Action Teams (CDAT) in Huron, Lambton and Perth County.
In all, 11 search warrants were executed at 11 locations.
During Project PINECREEK, OPP seized:
– 132 grams of cocaine (worth an estimated value of $3,200);
– 21 ounces of methamphetamine (estimated value $31,500);
– 46 pounds of marijuana (estimated value $82,000)
– 32 grams of hydromorphone powder (estimated value $2,900)
– 423 pills (estimated value $2,100)
– 26 grams of cannabis resin (estimated value $260)
– 3 restricted weapons (rifles), 6 prohibited weapons (push dagger, sawed-off shotgun, butterfly knife, brass knuckles, canister of pepper spray, blow gun) and one collapsible baton.
Police also recovered $22,000 worth of stolen property including:
– Bicycles;
– Tools (saw, drills, generators, computers;
– one side-by-side all-terrain vehicle;
– one motorcycle;
– one 2002 pick-up truck; and $6000.00 in Canadian currency.
In addition, one (1) vehicle was seized as offence-related property.
Several of the accused persons have appeared or are expected to appear at the Ontario Courts of Justice in Huron County, Lambton County, and Perth County.
The investigation continues.
