Sault police make record drug bust seizing more than 700 grams of fentanyl
More than $1 million in drugs have been seized in a Sault Ste. Marie Police Service bust dubbed 'Project Otter' involving two other Ontario police agencies.
Two raids in Sault Ste. Marie – one on a home in the 600-block of McDonald Avenue and another in a vehicle – resulted in the police service's biggest one-time drug seizure of 700 grams of fentanyl.
More than 700 grams of fentanyl seized in Sault Ste. Marie. Jan. 23/23 (Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)
"Removing this poison from our community will save lives. This amount of fentanyl is the equivalent of 70,000 potentially fatal doses. The dedication of our crime suppression unit, drug enforcement unit and partner agencies is making all of our communities a safer place," Sault police said in a news release Monday morning.
"We are committed to identifying traffickers in our community. We will seize their assets and bring them before the courts."
A total of $470,000 in drugs seized from the Sault include 703 grams of fentanyl, 900 grams of methamphetamine and 320 grams of cocaine. A black Honda and $74,000 in cash were also seized in the raids.
320 grams of cocaine seized in Sault Ste. Marie as part of 'Project Otter' (Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)
Five people ranging in age from 18 to 41 have been arrested in connection to the drug bust in the Sault.
“If you’re profiting from this poison, and harming our community, we will seize your drugs, we will take your cash, and your property, and we’ll put you before the courts,” said Sault Ste. Marie Police Chief Hugh Stevenson.
He said some of the suspects were on bail for drug related offenses at the time of their arrest.
“We continually see people on release, whether it’s violent crimes like this, or regular property crimes in this city, the deterrent effect of the justice system has been impacted by Bill C-75,” Stevenson said.
“When we look at their criminal history, and we see what they’ve been released on, and then they come to this community, and they continue to do it in this community, it causes concern for everyone.”
Stevenson joins other Ontario police chiefs in calling for bail system reform.
Black Honda seized in drug raid in Sault Ste. Marie (Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)
The Durham Regional Police Service seized six kilograms of methamphetamine worth approximately $620,000 and about $50,000 in Canadian, American and Jamaican cash from two raids, one in Oshawa and another in Whitby.
$620,000 of methamphetamine seized by Durham Regional Police Service as part of 'Project Otter' (Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)
The mayor of Sault Ste. Marie told CTV News he is proud of the police effort.
“Drug busts like this in our community means that the pressure is on these folks who are trafficking or dealing to…move on, because it’s not going to be tolerated in our community,” said mayor Matthew Shoemaker.
With files from CTV News videojournalist Mike McDonald in Sault Ste. Marie.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.