Five Chatham residents are facing charges following a police investigation that led to the recovery of multiple stolen commemorative plaques and the seizure of illicit drugs.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said officers with the Intelligence Unit conducted an investigation over the last several weeks that culminated in five search warrants being executed between August 20 and September 2.
Police searched three separate residences, a trailer, and a vehicle in Chatham in the areas of Lorne Avenue, Wellington Street East, and Copperfield Crescent. As a result, officers seized around 121 grams of fentanyl with a street value of around $24,000, digital scales, drug packaging materials, cellular phones, Canadian currency, a complete stolen commemorative plaque valued at around $1,500, and numerous fragments of other stolen commemorative plaques.
Police have not released any information regarding when the plaques were reported stolen or where they were stolen from.
Three Chatham men aged 35, 39 and 47 have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of theft under $5,000. A 28-year-old Chatham man and a 36-year-old Chatham woman have been arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking. All five suspects are also charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000.
An investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-436-6600 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).