Seven people are facing a combined 64 charges following a major, multijurisdictional drug trafficking investigation in southwestern Ontario.
The Ontario Provincial Police-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team began the intelligence-led investigation in January after identifying suspected drug trafficking activity across the region.
Investigators identified two separate criminal networks operating independently.
One was primarily active in the Brantford and Brant County area, while the second was operating in London and on the Oneida Nation of the Thames Settlement.
Police executed search warrants at four locations in Brantford and Paris on July 7, with assistance from the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, Haldimand and Oxford County OPP Community Street Crime Units and the Brantford Police Service.
A second series of searches took place on August 12 at a residence in London and on the Oneida Nation of the Thames Settlement.
Officers from the OPP, Oneida Police Service, London Police Service and several other OPP units were involved in those searches.
As a result of the investigation, police seized approximately:
6.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl
420 grams of suspected cocaine
250 grams of suspected methamphetamine
More than $73,500 in Canadian currency
A handgun equipped with an auto-switch
A rifle
Three prohibited magazines, including an over-capacity drum magazine
Ammunition
Brass knuckles
Drug trafficking paraphernalia
Two stolen camper trailers
A stolen 2019 Honda Civic
Police estimate the seized drugs have a street value of more than $913,000, while the stolen property is valued at more than $100,000.
The OPP says the amount of fentanyl seized represents approximately 65,000 potentially lethal street-level doses.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the investigation, while arrest warrants have been issued for two others.
In total, the seven accused face 64 offences under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
