Police in Chatham-Kent took more than $18 million dollars’ worth of illicit drugs off the streets in 2021.
According to an annual report being presented to the police board, the Chatham-Kent Police Service Intelligence Section was responsible for executing 73 drug-related search warrants last year, resulting in over $18.6 million in illicit drugs being seized. This is a sizable increase from the $11.5 million in drugs seized in 2020.
Fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine were the most prevalent drugs seized in the municipality last year, the report said. However, the Intel Unit busted four sophisticated illegal marijuana grow operations, seizing thousands of mature plants which were destined to be sold through organized crime.
A total of 111 arrests were made for major drug and property crimes in 2021, with a total of 454 criminal charges laid.
Drug overdoses also continued to be an issue in Chatham-Kent, with 17 overdose deaths reported in 2021. As well, officers utilized Narcan 44 times last year. Naloxone, under the brand name Narcan, can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
According to CK police, young people between the ages of 15-24 are the fastest-growing segment of the population requiring hospitalization due to drug overdoses.
