A joint forces operation in Sault Ste. Marie targeting the illegal drug trade has resulted in 22 people being arrested and more than $317,000 in drugs being taken off the streets.
‘Project Kentucky’ involving both municipal and provincial police began in November and involved 10 search warrants, Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Wednesday.
“This investigation targeted individuals who were knowingly putting our community at risk by trafficking dangerous drugs like fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine,” said Brent Duguay, interim chief of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
“The results of Project Kentucky are significant -- not just because of the drugs and weapons seized, but because of the message it sends: ‘We will not tolerate the presence of drug trafficking in Sault Ste. Marie.‘”
A total of 225 charges were laid and several weapons were seized, including three rifles, two loaded handguns, one revolver, two replica handguns and a pair of brass knuckles.
Some of these charges were previously reported over the last three months.
The suspects range in age from 23 to 56 and include both males and females.
“Project Kentucky demonstrates the strength of collaboration between police services when it comes to tackling drug trafficking in our communities,” said Andrew Bradford, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau acting Det. Supt.
“By combining resources, intelligence and expertise, we were able to disrupt a network profiting off the sale of dangerous substances in our communities. The OPP remains committed to working with our policing partners to dismantle criminal operations and protect the people of Ontario.”
In addition to more than $16,000 cash being seized during the raids, police also seized 2,721.94 grams of suspected cocaine, 258.95 grams of suspected fentanyl, 64.15 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 49 suspected oxycodone pills.
