Police operation removes illegal drug distribution targets

(LONDON, ON) – Several southwestern Ontario residents face charges following a lengthy investigation into illegal drug trafficking rings by members of the OPP.

Members of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) ignited Project PINECREEK in 2012 as a project to gather evidence of illegal drug trafficking. It was then escalated in July, 2014, and unveiled that significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine were being distributed in Huron County, Lambton County, and Perth County.

At a news conference Friday (Dec. 19), inspector Chris MARTIN of the Huron County OPP detachment and OPP detective-inspector Steve CLEGG of the OCEB unveiled details of the investigation and samples of the evidence seized during the probe. Local police leaders also stressed the need for collaborative action to support real improvement in the lives of people, communities and neighbourhoods by reducing harm and victimization. The OPP will be engaging and mobilizing community partners to follow-up this investigation.

“Police leaders long ago identified the serious impact illegal drug trafficking and abuse has on community safety and well-being, leading to associated violent acts and property crimes," says deputy commissioner Scott TOD, commander, OPP Investigations and Organized Crime. "It is vitally important for each of us to educate our children and young people about the dangers of these drugs at every opportunity.”

“Enhancing community safety and well-being cannot be achieved through enforcement and response to crime, in isolation," adds deputy commissioner Gary COUTURE, commander, OPP Field Operations. "The OPP is committed to taking collaborative action, working with social service agencies and community partners to prevent and/or reduce crime, harm and victimization.”

“The inappropriate use, abuse, and diversion of illegal and prescription narcotics are public health and safety issues, and our small or rural communities are not immune," says MARTIN. "Project PINECREEK is a great example of the professionalism, dedication and teamwork required to keep our communities safe."

Project PINECREEK was conducted by OCEB Drug Enforcement-West in partnership with the members of the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, OPP Emergency Response Team and Community Drug Action Teams (CDAT) in Huron, Lambton and Perth County. In all, 11 search warrants were executed at 11 locations.

During Project PINECREEK, OPP seized:

•  132 grams of cocaine (worth an estimated value of $3,200)
• 21 ounces of methamphetamine (estimated value $31,500)
• 46 pounds of marijuana (estimated value $82,000)
• 32 grams of hydromorphone powder (estimated value $2,900)
• 423 pills (estimated value $2,100)
• 26 grams of cannabis resin (estimated value $260)
• three restricted weapons (rifles)
• six prohibited weapons (push dagger, sawed-off shotgun, butterfly knife, brass knuckles, canister of pepper spray, blow gun) and one collapsible baton

• Bicycles
• Tools (saw, drills, generators, computers)
• one side-by-side all-terrain vehicle
• one motorcycle
• one 2002 pick-up truck
• $6,000 in Canadian currency.

In addition, one (1) vehicle was seized as offence-related property.

OPP have charged 33 people with 186 offences, including charges relating to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code of Canada (Proceeds of Crime, Prohibited Weapons). (See PROJECT PINECREEK -- ADDENDUM OF CHARGED PERSONS, click here) 

Several of the accused have appeared or are expected to appear at the Ontario Courts of Justice in Huron County, Lambton County, and Perth County. The investigation continues.

LEARN MORE

For more information on community mobilization and engagement, visit the OPP website Community Services Section at http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=148

The OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) has a mandate to work with its partners to facilitate the disruption and suppression of organized crime, which affects the citizens of Ontario. OCEB provides members and operational support to investigations on a provincial, national, and international level, working in cooperation with law enforcement agencies from around the world.