Grey Bruce OPP have charged two individuals following a drug trafficking investigation and took about $250,000 in fentanyl off the streets.
OPP say their investigation began back in May.
They say on Monday, July 6th at about 8:20 p.m., members of the Grey Bruce Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the OPP West Region Emergency Response Team and OPP West Region Canine Unit, conducted a traffic stop on Highway 10 at Collingwood Street in the Municipality of Grey Highlands, where two individuals were arrested without incident.
Officers searched the vehicle and located and seized a package containing suspected fentanyl.
Then on July 7th, they executed two search warrants at a residence on 6th Avenue West near 28th Street West in Owen Sound, as well as a search warrant at a building on Grey Road 12 in the Municipality of Meaford.
As a result of the investigation officers seized the following:
1,001 grams of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $250,000
8.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $850
$30,000 in offence related property
Police say, “The seizure of more than one kilogram of suspected fentanyl represents a significant disruption to the illegal drug supply within Grey Bruce and surrounding communities.”
They add, “Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that continues to be a serious public safety concern due to its association with overdose deaths and drug-related harms across Ontario.”
OPP say the fentanyl seized was enough for about 10,000 street-level doses. This is based on a dose of one point (0.1 grams) of fentanyl.
“By removing approximately $250,000 worth of suspected fentanyl from circulation, Grey Bruce CSCU have prevented a substantial quantity of this dangerous substance from reaching local streets, demonstrating the Grey Bruce OPP’s ongoing commitment to community safety and combating the trafficking of illicit drugs.”
“This seizure is a significant achievement for our officers,” said Inspector Marla Barfoot, Detachment Commander of the Grey Bruce OPP. “The removal of over one kilogram of suspected fentanyl from our communities represents a major disruption to those who profit from the sale of dangerous drugs. Every quantity of fentanyl seized has the potential to prevent harm, save lives, and improve community safety. We remain committed to targeting those involved in drug trafficking and holding them accountable.”
A 48 year old Owen Sound man and a 34 year old Meaford woman are both charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in fentanyl and in meth.
Both accused were held for a bail hearing in Owen Sound and were remanded into custody.
OPP say “Anyone with any information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.”