Nearly $1 million worth of illicit drugs have been taken off the streets and seven people have been arrested following a multi-agency police investigation that began in Chatham-Kent.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said as part of a months-long drug trafficking investigation dubbed Project Breakout, multiple search warrants were simultaneously executed on October 4 at four locations in Chatham, and another four locations in London and St. Thomas.
As a result, officers seized 3,638 grams of fentanyl, 51 grams of cocaine, 430 grams of methamphetamine, 20 grams of MDMA, Hydromorphone capsules and Oxycodone tablets valued at close to $1 million.
As well, multiple firearms were seized including a .32 calibre Smith and Wesson revolver, two .22 calibre long rifles, two .177 calibre BB guns, one Glock handgun, and two prohibited extended magazines.
Four unidentified people have been charged with numerous drug and weapons offences and were released with future court dates.
Three other suspects — a 37-year-old Chatham man, a 41-year-old Chatham man, and a 30-year-old St. Thomas man — were all arrested and held for bail before being remanded into custody.
All three face multiple counts each of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, along with various charges for weapon-related offences.
Project Breakout involved members of the St. Thomas Police Service, the London Police Service, the Windsor Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police.
