The OPP in Eastern Ontario has laid 141 charges and arrested 13 people after a 19-month investigation into criminal networks of individuals producing and trafficking illicit fentanyl, as well as trafficking cocaine.
A total of 7.5 kilograms of cocaine and 31.5 kilograms of fentanyl were seized.
The OPP says that’s more than 315,000 street level doses of fentanyl.
An influx of illicit substances in Eastern Ontario prompted the investigation in March 2020 and investigators have worked tirelessly to identify the source(s).
While none of the accused are from Renfrew County, fentanyl has been circulating the area and attributed to an increase in overdoses in recent months.
This summer, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit issued a warning regarding fentanyl in the local drug supply.
The OPP says the dangers that illicit fentanyl poses to those suffering from substance use disorders are insurmountable.
When fentanyl is mixed with other substances in efforts to prepare it for sale, the end result can produce portions of the mixture that is more potent than other parts.
Police say pressed pills may have a higher concentration of fentanyl in one pill versus another pill.
The OPP adds the prevalence of fentanyl continues to increase saying it’s a drug sought after by users, and it is not often taken by mistake.
The quantity of fentanyl seized through Project HELSTON works out to more than 315,000 street-level doses.
Investigators have been conservative with street-level dose estimates, as dose size is subjective and varies from one individual to another.
On November 3, 2021, police executed a total of four search warrants in Mississauga, Cornwall and Ottawa.
As a result of this investigation, police seized:
- 31.5 kilograms of fentanyl;
- 7.5 kilograms of cocaine;
- 68 oxycodone pills;
- A handgun with 17 rounds of ammunition; and
- Four vehicles as offence-related property, with a combined value of approximately $107,000.
The drugs seized in this investigation have an estimated street-value of more than $13.3 million.
OPP Deputy Commissioner Chuck Cox, Investigations and Organized Crime, says Project HELSTON has revealed a blatant disregard for human life demonstrated by the individuals involved in the production and trafficking of illicit fentanyl and cocaine.
He adds the sheer impact of the potential number of street-level doses of fentanyl seized by investigators is absolutely shocking.
Deputy Commissioner Cox says if you decide to endanger lives through these criminal activities, you will investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Upon arrest, all of the accused were remanded into custody with various dates throughout November.
A list of those charged can be found online here.
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Overdose alert for Renfrew County with “Purple” and “Yellow” fentanyl circulating
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