Over 2-million in drugs and prescription meds intercepted on the Coast

Project COAST, a multi-jurisdiction drug investigation in northeastern Ontario has resulted in dozens of arrests and more than 300 charges, as well over 2-million in seized illegal drugs.

In November 2015, the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) began a joint investigation to identify and dismantle drug distribution networks trafficking prescription medications and illicit drugs to communities in northeastern Ontario. The lengthy investigation focused on the Timmins and Chapleau area and James Bay coastal communities, noting these drugs typically sell at four times the street price compared to urban centers. This provides considerable profit incentive for criminals to exploit vulnerable residents in Aboriginal communities.

At a May 24 news conference in Timmins, NAPS Chief Terry Armstrong, OPP Deputy Commissioner Rick Barnum, Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier and Anishinabek Police Service Deputy Chief Dave Whitlow unveiled details of the investigation and displayed samples of the evidence seized during the six-month probe.

They were also joined by Nishnawbe-Aski Nation leaders who provided insight into the challenges and devastating impacts illegal drugs and misuse of prescription medications have had on their citizens.

“I would like to say to those who are dealing drugs, you are hurting our communities. You are causing destructive matters in the family unit and in the home. Just like any addicted person, you need help and I hope you seek that help because the path that you are walking is causing destruction as you move along on that journey. And I'd like to close off with this: this is not the end, this is the beginning of the war against drugs because it's hurting our children, it's hurting our families, it's hurting our communities. We love our people, we care for our people, we care for our children and we want the best for them, we want to be able to see them succeed in life, instead of struggling with an addiction,” Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Johnathon Soloman said.

During Project COAST, 21 search warrants were executed earlier this month at locations in northern and eastern Ontario. Police seized:

• 57,792 methamphetamine tablets,
• 7,229 oxycodone pills,
• 706 grams of cocaine,
• 476.6 grams of marihuana, and
• 154.25 fentanyl patches.

The street value of the seized drugs is estimated at 2.1-million headed for northern communities, and 800-thousand headed for the south.

Police also seized more than 252-thousand dollars in Canadian currency, one shotgun and a bulletproof vest.

As a result, 55 people have been charged with 341 offences under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code of Canada.

NAPS Chief Terry Armstrong also went on the say, “the trafficking of illegal and prescription drugs brings an element of society into our communities that engage in further criminal behaviours to protect their enterprises. By working collaboratively with our police partners and mobilizing community leaders, the individuals who target our people have been arrested and charged as we tackle several challenging issues.”

Several of the accused persons will appear at Ontario Courts of Justice at various times, dates and locations.

“Project COAST demonstrates that the OPP will do whatever it takes to support our police and Aboriginal community partners to support the wellness of our most vulnerable communities and prevent further harm and victimization,” OPP Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes said.

More updates will be given as this ongoing investigation continues.