Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: A drug trafficking investigation in Chatham resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, cocaine and cash, and led to charges against an Etobicoke man, according to the Chatham-Kent Police Service.
Police said members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service Intelligence Unit obtained search warrants under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for two residences in Chatham on June 2 as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected fentanyl and cocaine trafficking.
At about 3:02 p.m., members of the Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence on McNaughton Avenue East. Eight people between the ages of 26 and 56 were located inside and arrested without incident.
Police said a second warrant was executed about 22 minutes later at a residence on Selkirk Street, where three people between the ages of 26 and 42 were arrested.
Investigators seized approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of cocaine, cellular telephones, a digital scale, packaging materials and a large quantity of Canadian currency. Police estimate the street value of the drugs at approximately $30,000.
As a result of the investigation, a 30-year-old Etobicoke man has been charged with two counts of possession of fentanyl and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing. All other individuals arrested during the operation were released.
Police said the service remains committed to targeting drug trafficking networks operating in Chatham-Kent, including individuals and organized groups that transport and distribute illegal substances from outside the municipality.
“Through intelligence-led enforcement, strategic partnerships, and coordinated operations, our officers will continue to take decisive action against those who profit from the sale of dangerous drugs,” the service said in a statement.
Police added that their efforts are aimed at reducing the availability of illegal substances that contribute to addiction, violence and other community harms, while continuing to work with external partners to investigate and hold offenders accountable.
Anyone with information related to drug trafficking is asked to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service at 519-436-6600. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through the online reporting portal at ckpolice.com.
