Nearly $8 million in illicit drugs were taken off Chatham-Kent’s streets last year, thanks to the efforts of a specialized policing unit.
According to an annual operational report, the Intelligence Unit with the Chatham-Kent Police Service executed 44 search warrants in 2023, resulting in $7,741,472 worth of illicit drugs being seized. As well, officers with the unit made 69 arrests for major drug and property crimes and 382 charges were laid.
The report stated that methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and a variety of other opioids were the main drugs of choice last year.
Officers from the unit also seized 97 illegal guns and prohibited weapons. In addition, around $98,000 in property and $69,570 in cash were recovered.
The Intelligence Unit also led a multi-jurisdictional investigation with the St. Thomas Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario in October 2023 dubbed Project Breakout. The investigation culminated with the execution of multiple search warrants that led to the seizure of illicit drugs with a street value of $942,953. Eight people were arrested and charged with 87 offences.
Significant drug investigations involving trafficking, production and possession for the purpose of trafficking are investigated by the Intelligence Unit. The unit, which is comprised of one sergeant and six detectives, also specializes in property crimes, crime analysis, asset forfeiture, human trafficking, and monitoring information on organized crime groups.
