A two-year joint investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) into the importation and trafficking of cocaine was concluded last week which resulted in arrests of individuals from the Leamington area.
RCMP officials say these individuals were involved in the importation and subsequent distribution of cocaine.
The evidence gathered revealed a criminal group moving large amounts of cocaine from Mexico into Canada.
During the course of the investigation, police seized over two kilograms of cocaine as well as identified sophisticated concealment methods which enabled the cocaine shipments to cross international borders undetected.
On Thursday, July 28th, the RCMP along with members of CBSA, Essex County OPP, and Chatham-Kent Police Service executed several search warrants in the Leamington area. This same day, a search warrant was executed by the RCMP in the Province of Manitoba related to this matter.
Three men – 48, 29 and 56 all from Leamington – have been charged with various crimes related to the conspiracy, importation, and trafficking of cocaine under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Charges include conspiracy to traffick cocaine and conspiracy to kidnap.
“The inter-operability of police agencies is fundamental to community safety,” stated Inspector Kevin Keane, of the Windsor Detachment RCMP stated.
“The RCMP is determined to reduce the total harmful effects caused by organized crime by disrupting the supplies of illicit drugs. The result of this investigation demonstrates how the RCMP and its partner agencies work effectively together to keep illicit drugs out of our communities.”
RCMP officials say they would like to express appreciation to the partner law enforcement agencies of Canada Border Services Agency, Essex County OPP, and Chatham-Kent Police Service for their invaluable assistance in bringing a successful resolution to this matter.
– File photo
