Seven individuals are facing charges after a significant drug trafficking investigation in southwestern Ontario led to the seizure of over $913,000 worth of drugs.
The Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG), directed by the OPP, started the investigation back in January.
Authorities reported that they uncovered two distinct criminal organizations operating separately-one based in the Brantford and Brant County regions, and the other located in London and Oneida Nation of the Thames.
With assistance from various units including the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, Haldimand and Oxford County OPP Community Street Crime Units, along with the Brantford Police Service, PGNG executed searches at four sites in Brantford and Paris on July 7.
On August 12, homes in London and Oneida Nation of the Thames were searched as well. Officers from Middlesex, Lambton, and Oxford County OPP, along with London Police Service and Oneida Police Service contributed to these efforts.
Gun seized in multijurisdictional drug trafficking investigation. August 2026. (Photo courtesy of OPP)
In total, officers confiscated:
– 6.5 kg of suspected fentanyl
– 420 g of suspected cocaine
– 250g of suspected methamphetamine
– More than $73,500
– A handgun with an auto-switch
– Rifle
– Three prohibited magazines, including an over-capacity drum magazine
– Ammunition
– Brass knuckles
– Drug trafficking paraphernalia
– Two stolen camper trailers
– Stolen 2019 Honda Civic</br
OPP noted that the stolen items were valued at over $100,000; additionally, the amount of fentanyl seized could potentially provide around 65,000 lethal doses on the street.</br
“Every quantity of fentanyl removed from circulation is a quantity that cannot reach our neighbourhoods or put lives at risk or contribute to the devastating impacts of substance use and drug trafficking,” stated OPP Acting Det. Supt. of Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau Andy Bradford. “This outcome reflects the strength of intelligence-led policing and partnership-based enforcement while demonstrating our ongoing commitment to disrupting criminal networks by removing dangerous drugs and firearms from our communities to enhance public safety across Ontario.”</br
A total of five people were arrested during this investigation while warrants were issued for two additional suspects. Together they face a cumulative total of 64 charges.</br
The accused include a 50-year-old from Southwold; a 21-year-old resident from London; a woman aged 35 also from London; a man aged 68 from Brantford; as well as a 25-year-old hailing from Brantford.</br
Warrants have been issued for a 21-year-old individual residing in London alongside a man aged 29 from Brantford.
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