$9M in drugs seized by WRPS, two Kitchener residents charged
Two Kitchener residents are facing charges in what police are calling one of the largest drug seizures in the history of the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS).
More than $9 million worth of drugs and more than $800,000 in cash was seized as part of a 13-month-long investigation that started in March 2023. That is when police said multiple kilograms of suspected cocaine were found inside a home, in the area of Fergus Avenue and Weber Street East in Kitchener, while police were responding to a reported break-and-enter.
The investigation then resulted in WRPS’ Drugs and Firearms Unit conducting search warrants at two Kitchener residences. One was in the area of Weber Street East and Fergus Avenue and the other in the area of Victoria Street South and Park Street. Drugs and weapons were seized by police.
In April 2024, two more search warrants at Kitchener residents were completed, in the areas of Sims Estate Drive and Fairway Road North, and Homer Watson Boulevard and Old Carriage Drive. Police also searched a 2023 Audi. Investigators seized multiple kilograms of suspected cocaine, suspected crystal methamphetamine, and Canadian currency.
In total, WRPS seized:
- More than 86 kilograms of suspected cocaine
- Over 3 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine
- Approximately 700 grams of MDMA
- Approximately $815,000 in Canadian currency
Drugs and cash seized by Waterloo regional police on May 7, 2024. (Dan Lauckner/CTV Kitchener)
A 31-year-old man and 22-year-old woman, both from Kitchener, were arrested on April 26, 2024. They are jointly charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. The man is also facing three additional counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Both are held in custody for a bail hearing.
At a media conference on Tuesday, Insp. Greg Hibbard with WRPS’ Criminal Intelligence Unit, said there could be more arrests made in connection with this case.
“The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of further arrests,” Hibbard said.
A press conference at WRPS headquarters after a historic drug bust. (CTV News/Dan Lauckner)
“The amount of drugs and firearms seized during this investigation is not only concerning to us, but to the entire Waterloo Region community. These drugs are destined to be sold in our community and beyond.”
Hibbard said in 2023, WRPS seized $2.3 million worth of drugs, along with 695 guns.
“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,” he said.
“Often, violence is driven by three factors: drugs, firearms and organized crime. When these factors collide, the results are often tragic. While this investigation has resulted in a significant amount of illegal drugs being taken out of our community, there’s more work to be done.”
Where does the money go?
WRPS now has possession of the $815,000 seized from this investigation. Insp. Hibbard said what happen with it will depend on the court proceedings.
“Pending the outcome of the trial, [the money] would then be forfeited to the province and then people can apply for grants, so it goes back to the government,” he said.
As for the drugs, police said they will all be destroyed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
'Irrefutable evidence': integrity commissioner finds Parole Board member sexually harassed 'several' employees
There is 'irrefutable evidence' a member of the Parole Board of Canada sexually harassed multiple employees, without adequate disciplinary action from management, according to a report by Canada's Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.
'Son of Sam' killer Berkowitz denied parole in 12th attempt
'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz, who set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s, was denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.