23 charged, drugs seized in Pembroke following 5-month investigation
Ontario Provincial Police also seized cash, weapons in raids targeting suspected traffickers
Police have charged 23 suspects and seized more than 400 grams of "suspected fentanyl" and other drugs as the result of a major investigation in Pembroke, Ont.
It was the culmination of a five-month operation focused on drug trafficking in the region, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said in a news release Friday.
Officers executed search warrants on May 22 and June 4 at residences on Martin Street and Pembroke Street W., where they found and seized suspected drugs including large quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and hydromorphone tablets.
A handgun, a modified shotgun and a pellet rifle were also seized, along with ammunition. Pellet guns can be considered replica firearms under the Criminal Code. The haul also included an SUV, more than $13,000 in cash and other items "typically associated with drug trafficking."
The 23 suspects range in age from 16 to 70 . Several are residents of Pembroke, while others reside across Ontario including Ottawa, Barrie and Pikwàkanagàn.
More arrests and charges are expected, police said.
At least seven units within the OPP assisted with the investigation and arrests, including the canine unit and organized crime enforcement bureau, police said.