Drug Bust on Walpole Island Leads to Arrests of Three London Residents

Three people from London, Ont. are facing numerous charges following an OPP investigation into drug trafficking on Walpole Island First Nation.

On Wednesday, OPP West Region announced the outcomes of Project Brake – a police operation involving various jurisdictions.

Chief Leela Thomas, who leads the council for Walpole Island First Nation, expressed gratitude for the teamwork displayed by law enforcement agencies.

“This investigation demonstrates the importance of partnerships in protecting residents and holding those responsible accountable,” Thomas said.

Packages of suspected fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine that were seized by Lambton County OPP during Project Brake. (Ontario Provincial Police)

The OPP stated that the investigation kicked off in April with Lambton County OPP’s community street crime unit, which received tips about suspected drug activities on Walpole Island.

On July 17, members of that unit – along with frontline support from across OPP West Region – conducted searches at two homes in London.

Police reported that these search warrants led to the recovery of “significant quantities” of suspected fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine – as well as firearms, stolen vehicles, Canadian cash and additional evidence.

The total estimated value of all seized substances and items is $1.28 million, according to OPP.

WATCH | $1.28M in contraband seized, 3 Londoners arrested after drug trafficking investigation on Walpole Island:

$1.28M in contraband seized, 3 Londoners arrested after drug trafficking investigation on Walpole Island

Three individuals based in London, Ont. are facing long lists of charges following an OPP investigation into drug trafficking on Walpole Island First Nation.

The arrests included three residents from London: one aged 27 and two aged 28.

Each faces more than 20 charges under both the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Two remain behind bars while one was released but is set to appear in court in September.

Kristin Noble, a citizen of Walpole Island First Nation, said she’s glad about the results of the investigation. (Chris Ensing/CBC)

Kristin Noble, a member of Walpole Island First Nation and Bkejwanong Territory, mentioned she only heard about the investigation a couple days ago but feels pleased with its outcome.

“I’m happy that this has happened, and I wish that more could be done,” she told CBC Windsor. “If there’s going to be more police presence, why weren’t they monitoring the drug houses on this island?”

“I hope to see more of a clean-up because it affects our children.. and they already have trauma from past experiences with their parents.”A close-up view shows some packages containing illicit drugs seized by Lambton County OPP during Project Brake. (Ontario Provincial Police)

Noble remembered talking with a young man who helped out at a community feast on Walpole Island First Nation. He shared he was recovering from addiction issues he fell into at just 14 years old.

“He lost his dad; his mom moved away.. He didn’t have anybody,” Noble recounted. “I think for us as a people as a nation we’re kind of shy and not willing to say ‘I need therapy’ or ‘I need help.'”One stolen vehicle taken by Lambton County OPP during Project Brake.

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