The war on drugs on Walpole Island is making significant progress.
As part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation dubbed Project McNulty, police officers with Walpole Island First Nation Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Chatham-Kent Police Service executed several search warrants on September 29 resulting in significant drug seizures and numerous charges.
Police said 30 people were arrested and are now facing a combined total of 149 charges. Authorities also seized methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl with a value of $141,000. As well, over $190,000 in offence-related property and stolen property was seized, along with $11,000 in cash.
During a news conference Tuesday morning, Lambton OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Chris Avery said while the amount of drugs seized and the number of arrests made is significant, so are the lives that have been saved.
“The most important things I see pertain to a 50% reduction in drug overdose deaths and a 57% reduction in ambulance assistance calls, which often include non-fatal drug overdose calls, all in the community of Walpole Island,” he said.
Avery said the opioid crisis has had far-reaching effects across the region.
“Our enforcement actions have seen positive results towards combating the illicit drug trade and property crimes throughout the county,” Avery said. “We see them as being interrelated, but the seriousness is the loss of life that goes along with opioid deaths.”
Authorities said drug traffickers identified through the ongoing investigation have supplied not only Walpole Island, but the surrounding regions of Chatham-Kent and Lambton County as well.
A state of emergency was declared in the First Nation community in the summer of 2021 in response to the drug epidemic.
Inspector Avery said efforts will continue to ensure the safety of all residents on Walpole Island.
