Despite ongoing social distancing measures, multiple drug seizure operations have taken place across Canada. In April, Chilliwack RCMP had reported a seizure of illegal drugs, cash and firearms on a search warrant at a private residence in Chilliwack, BC, which took place in February. This operation resulted in the arrest of four people in the residence, who were later released by the police. Moreover, large quantities of illicit drugs including heroin and fentanyl, as well as smaller amounts of cocaine were seized.
Cpl. Mike Rail, RCMP spokesperson, said in his interview with The Chilliwack Progress, “Our priority is the safety of the community… At a time when social distancing is a critical social responsibility a drug/crime house becomes more conspicuous.”
In late April, Hamilton police arrested six people and seized $1 million of drugs packaged for “immediate sale” from being sold on the streets. According to Hamilton police, the seizure was one of the largest drug busts of crystal meth, heroin and fentanyl in the city’s history. “The total weight of drugs seized exceeds five kilograms with most being packaged for immediate sale,” Hamilton police had stated in a press release.
In London, ON, two individuals are facing drug charges following an investigation and seizure of $16,000 worth of crack cocaine, among other drugs and paraphernalia, as well as firearm ammunition, an incident which took place on April 17th.
Additionally, Waterloo Regional Police Service’s South Division patrol had seized suspected fentanyl, hydro-morphine and methamphetamine from a motor vehicle in Cambridge. The seizure took place during the traffic stop, when the police had detected that one of the vehicle’s occupants was breaching a court order; a 26-year-old Kitchener male was arrested.
In an unrelated incident on April 30, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) seized over $75,000 in illicit drugs, as well as firearms and stolen property following a drug investigation in Bracebridge, ON. According to a press release by the OPP, the investigation led to the arrest of two people, who were charged for multiple offences.
The Chilliwack Progress has released the following tips on spotting a crime house or drug dealer during social distancing:
• The house lights are always on
• Unusual and/or regular traffic patterns
• Traffic stops in front of the house, while a resident comes outside to talk with individuals in the vehicle
