Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: A 53-year-old Chatham man has been charged after a joint investigation by Chatham-Kent police and the Collingwood OPP Community Street Crime Unit led to the seizure of drugs, weapons, ammunition and cash.
Police say the investigation began in September and targeted people believed to be distributing illegal drugs across Ontario. Investigators say they identified the Chatham man as allegedly receiving and distributing controlled substances supplied through the broader network.
On Sunday, Nov. 1, police executed multiple search warrants around the province. Chatham-Kent police intelligence unit officers arrested the man while the emergency response team executed a search warrant at a residence on Evening Drive.
Police seized about 960 grams of cocaine and about 645 grams of MDMA, along with a prohibited conducted energy weapon, a replica .177-calibre handgun, digital scales and drug packaging materials, multiple rounds of ammunition and about $23,000 in Canadian currency believed to be proceeds of crime. Police estimate the street value of the drugs at about $134,700.
The man is charged with driving while under suspension, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of MDMA for the purpose of trafficking, possession contrary to an order for ammunition, possession contrary to an order for a conducted energy weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000. He was held pending a bail hearing. Police say they secured the vehicle he was driving pending further judicial authorization and examination.
“This investigation demonstrates the value of collaborative policing and intelligence-led enforcement,” police said in a news release. “By working closely with our law enforcement partners in the Ontario Provincial Police, we are able to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into our communities and hold those responsible accountable.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Chatham-Kent police at 519-436-6600.
