Two people have been charged after over $9 million worth of drugs and $800,000 in cash were seized in Kitchener by Waterloo regional police as part of an organized crime investigation that began in March 2023.
During a news conference Tuesday morning, the Waterloo Regional Police Service displayed some of the seized items on tables.
Insp. Greg Hibbard said the items included approximately 86 kg of cocaine, 700 g of MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) and 3 kg of crystal meth, along with $815,000 in cash and seven restricted handguns.
“During the investigation, search warrants were executed to four residents in the city of Kitchener resulting in the items that you see,” Hibbard said.
Insp. Greg Hibbard says the 13-month investigation has resulted in one of the largest drug busts in Waterloo region’s history. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)
A 31-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, both from Kitchener, were arrested on April 26.
They have been charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. The male accused also faces three additional counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Hibbard said the investigation began 13 months ago after patrol officers responded to a break-in at a Kitchener residence. Officers located several kilograms of cocaine. As a result, the drugs and firearms unit began an organized crime drug trafficking investigation leading to the two arrests.
Hibbard said this is one of the biggest busts in the police service’s history.
“This is an ongoing organized criminal network. The distribution of this size and level when you’re dealing with kilo level amounts is significant,” Hibbard said.
“It would continue throughout the community without us interrupting in this fashion.
“These drugs were destined to be sold in our community and beyond. We are focused on interrupting the flow of illicit drugs and on arresting those who profit off our most vulnerable members of this community who are suffering from addiction.”
In 2023, 695 firearms and other prohibited weapons were seized alongside over $2.72 million in drugs. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)
In 2023, 695 firearms and other prohibited weapons were seized alongside over $2.72 million in drugs.
“I think any time we can disrupt the illicit flow of drugs within our community, it’s a win for us, it saves lives,” Hibbard said.
“I think that in itself makes a dent as we continue to face a consistent flow of illicit drugs to our communities not just in Waterloo region, but Canada-wide.”
Waterloo Regional Police have seized over $9 million worth of drugs and more than $800,000 in currency in connection to an organized crime drug trafficking investigation. This is one of the largest drug seizures in WRPS’ history.
More: https://t.co/Rme4UaEz2h
A 31-year-old male… pic.twitter.com/aKUFZ6BeDU
—@WRPSToday
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