The Owen Sound Police Service is pleased to announce the conclusion of an extensive project targeting traffickers of deadly drugs on the streets of Owen Sound. Through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported Owen Sound Police Service’s investigation which targeted Fentanyl and Methamphetamine dealers.
In total, 10 individuals were arrested and charged with offences related to the selling of these drugs through the utilization of various investigative techniques. In addition, two residential search warrants were executed by members of the Owen Sound Police. The project resulted in police laying a total of 72 criminal charges and seizing in excess of $20,000 worth of narcotics including Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Oxycodone, Morphine and Illicit Cannabis.
All of these individuals were held in custody for bail hearings.
This project was of particular significance given increases seen recently in overdoses, and in particular, the City has seen four drug related deaths just since September of this year. Owen Sound Police Chief Craig Ambrose advised “The loss of these members of our community is nothing short of tragic, and preventable. There will be no tolerance in our city for those that prey on our most vulnerable populations, and this project will be only the first in an ongoing initiative here that will ensure they continue to be brought to justice.”
The Owen Sound Police advise that in addition to the arrests announced today, there may be further arrests coming from this project in coming weeks. Inspector Dave Bishop said “I’m proud of all the members of our Service who utilized their knowledge and expertise to partner with the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario to make this project a reality, and a success. Getting these dealers and their drugs off of our streets may save yet another family from having to experience the loss of a loved one, particularly over this holiday season”.
The following persons were charged as a result of the project.
1. Jessie MORLEY, 37 years of Owen Sound
2. John ROBERTSON, 55 years of Owen Sound
3. Christopher JONES, 47 years of Owen Sound
4. Frederick MacKENZIE, 56 years of Owen Sound
5. Justin SAMPSON, 43 years of Ajax
6. Lindsey PICKETT, 35 years of Toronto
7. Kyle GREEN, 27 years of Owen Sound
8. Jennifer ALBERT, 38 years of Owen Sound
9. Karly JANKE, 32 years of Sauble Beach
10. James JOHNSTON, 43 years of Owen Sound
source: media release, OSPS