Earlier in September, a series of police raids that took place in London and Brampton resulted in the arrests of 18 suspects who were allegedly operating an illegal fentanyl ring. During this operation, police seized $725,330 worth of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as two loaded handguns and $55,000 in cash.

According to the London police, the large amount of illegal drugs seized during the raids make it the largest suspected fentanyl seizure in London police history.

“This is the largest suspected Fentanyl seizure in London police history,” Deputy Sargent Rob Merrimen, head of the Guns and Drugs Section of the London police, told CBC News. “Not only was a large quantity of drugs seized, but a significant amount of cash, and two loaded hand guns. “

Police arrested 18 suspects in relation to this case, including three individuals from Brampton, one from Toronto and 14 from London, which included four youths ranging in age from 13 to 17 years. A total of 35 charges were laid, including multiple counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and a number of firearms-related charges.

“The illegal drugs will always be out there, and even though we removed some from the streets, we remain focused on addressing the threats to community safety posed by illegally-possessed firearms and drugs such as Fentanyl,” Merrimen told CBC News. Moreover, he thanked those who assisted with the operation: ”The assistance of our partnering police services and the cooperating units within the London Police Service was integral in the safe conclusion of this investigation.”

Previously, in July, London police had announced that on March 1, London police officers were contacted after airport security reported discovering some pills contained inside two containers in luggage carried by a passenger. As a result, a total of 1,902 fentanyl pills were discovered, leading to the arrest of a 41-year-old individual, who was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.