Two men have been charged with production of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking in connection with a drug lab found in Cambridge in May 2010.
Waterloo Regional Police say 33-year-old Jamie Christopher Porteous of Waterdown and 30-year-old Kanor Kabutey of Burlington, were arrested at their homes on Nov. 19.
They were arrested with the assistance of Halton Regional Police and Hamilton Police. Both were remanded in custody until their court appearances on Nov. 23.
The charges were laid in connection with an ongoing investigation into a drug lab at a warehouse on Jarvis Street in Cambridge where suspected methamphetamine and related toxic chemicals and equipment were found.
The arrests came the same day as a second suspected drug lab in Burlington was searched and drugs and equipment seized.
Evidence found at the Cambridge drug lab is what led police to the industrial location in Burlington.
According to police approximately 142,000 MDMA or ecstasy pills, 166 kilograms of MDMA powder and 47 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine were seized.
The total estimated value of the drugs seized is $7.5 million. Over $150,000 in cash was also seized.
Waterloo Regional Police Supt. Gary Askin says the popular club drug wasn't intended for adults, "They use contemporary symbols so that students and youth can make associations with it."
Askin adds that the drugs were likely destined for locations across Canada, and possibly even the U.S.
"This is the biggest drug investigation we have had to date," says Waterloo Regional Police Deputy Chief Michael Mann.
The investigation continues and more charges are pending. Meanwhile police are asking anyone with information to contact the Drug Branch at 519-653-7700 Ext. 8612 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
