Pubdate: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 Source: Tribune, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2009, Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.wellandtribune.ca/webapp/sitepages/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2807 Author: Tribune Wire Services OPP DRUG ENFORCEMENT YEAR IN REVIEW ORILLIA The OPP's various drug enforcement initiatives in 2008 removed over $264-million worth of drugs from circulation and resulted in 4,700 charges being laid against 2,400 people. OPP Drug Enforcement Section officers work on a variety of investigative capacities including undercover operations, clandestine lab investigations, and major case investigation. Using the principles of intelligence-led policing, the OPP's Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau work collaboratively with OPP Field Operations and Highway Safety Division, as well as municipal and other law enforcement partners to combat the illegal drug trade. "Illicit drugs continue to be a scourge in society and an ongoing threat to the safety of Ontario residents and their communities," said Commissioner Julian Fantino. "Our members, and those of our municipal partners, continue to put themselves at risk to bring those associated with this type of organized crime to justice." With marijuana production being a multi-billion dollar business in North America, there are groups that will go to any extremes to protect their venture. There are also groups known as "pot pirates" who will steal marihuana grows, which makes the situation even more dangerous for the public and law enforcement agencies. "The Ontario Provincial Police remains strongly committed to work within all of our communities across the province to stem the tide of illicit drugs, said Inspector Bryan Martin, Program Manager, OPP Drug Enforcement Section. "The statistics and highlights are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all OPP members involved in this ongoing battle." The OPP Drug Enforcement Section has 15 deployed units located strategically across Ontario. - ---------------------------------- BACKGROUNDER - ------------ 2008 By the Numbers - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Persons Charged: 2404 Charges Laid by OPP DES: 4702 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Search Warrants Executed: 766 Total Value of Drugs Seized: $264.1-million - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Weapons Seized: 475 Marihuana Grow Ops Investigated & Dismantled: 499 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Marihuana Plants Seized: 211,919 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 Drug Enforcement Program Highlights: The OPP Drug Enforcement Section (DES) led a joint force investigation with Belleville Police Service in the Quinte West area targeting a violent organized crime group involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs within those communities. In August of 2008, police arrested and charged 30 persons with 217 drug and criminal related charges. In July 2008, the OPP Drug Enforcement Unit based in Kenora concluded a six-month investigation into the cocaine supply in Kenora. This investigation, dubbed Project: Take Back the Neighbourhood, concluded with the seizure of 18 ounces of cocaine from three involved Kenora residents. More than $35,000 cash was also seized from this group during the investigation. In September 2008, the OPP Drug Enforcement Unit based in Peterborough investigated a large-scale outdoor grow operations in the Apsley area. The grow-op was guarded by 2 pit bulls and a male who was armed with two, 12-gauge shot guns. In August of 2008, the Drug Enforcement Unit based in Mount Forest concluded a six-month Joint Forces Operation with the Owen Sound Police Service. As a result of this investigation, 6 Search Warrants were executed, 11 persons were arrested, 45 charges were laid and 9 of the 11 accused are charged with Criminal Organization Offences. In addition, marihuana, nine ounces of cocaine, and two vehicles were seized. The OPP Assets Forfeiture Unit is presently examining one associated residence with respect to Forfeiture and/or Seizure. This matter remains before the courts. The OPP Clandestine Lab Initial Response Team is a 45-person unit coordinated out of the Drug Enforcement Program. In 2008, the Lab team responded to 11 synthetic-based clandestine drug labs across Ontario, including two, large-scale illicit drug labs in Kingston and Mississauga in April 2008. In summer and fall 2008, the OPP Drug Enforcement Section carried out its annual Marihuana Eradication Program. During an eight-week span, officers seized and destroyed 108,161 marihuana plants in various areas of the province. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart