Five people are facing charges in connection to an extensive drug investigation that resulted in the seizure of $171,006 worth of illegal drugs and currency.
Members of the Sarnia Police Service Vice Unit began their investigation after suspects were alleged to have been trafficking illicit drugs in several locations within the City of Sarnia and the Village of Point Edward.
As part of the investigation, vice officers searched several locations in Sarnia in the 100 block of Richard Street, 400 block of Wellington Street, 400 block of Devine Street, and two automotive body shops in the 800 block of Phillip Street East. An automotive body shop in the Village of Point Edward in the 100 block of Kendall Street was also searched.
However, police said nothing of significance was found at the Devine Street or Richard Street addresses.
The searches started on January 12 and were completed on January 13.
Sarnia police said a number of suspects tried to get away during a search of the Phillip Street addresses but were arrested without incident.
Officers seized various quantities of illegal drugs, during the searches on Phillip Street East and Kendall Street, used in the alleged production of fentanyl powder from pure carfentanil. Packaging equipment and other drug paraphernalia believed to be used in the production and distribution of drugs were also seized. Meantime, police seized various quantities of drugs along with a replica handgun, drug paraphernalia, and a homemade taser during a search of the Wellington Street address.
The total amount of drugs seized as part of the investigation includes 13.8 grams of street-ready fentanyl, 122 grams of pure carfentanil, 954.9 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 265.1 grams of cocaine, eight four milligram hydromorphone pills, and 30 100 milligram morphine pills. Police also seized $630 in currency.
The seizure of 954.9 grams of crystal methamphetamine is the largest known seizure by the Sarnia Police Service. The seizure of 122 grams of pure carfentanil is also the largest seizure of this substance seized by local law enforcement.
Police said carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl powder.
"A significant concern that arises with carfentanil being processed into street-ready carfentanil or fentanyl powder, is the actual process. If carfentanil is not mixed and diluted properly the concentration may be great enough to cause death, even the smallest amount," read a release from Sarnia police. "As well, the conditions and equipment allegedly being used are not pharmaceutical grade and thus there is a very great risk that the final product that would be sold on the streets could be fatal."
Five people were arrested in connection to the investigation. However, police said further charges are pending as the investigation is ongoing.
Sarnia police issued a warrant for the arrest of 41-year-old Nathan Keith Raaymakers of Sarnia on Tuesday as he faced additional charges. On January 19, Sarnia police said Raaymakers turned himself in on Wednesday morning. Raaymakers faces three counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a schedule one substance. The additional charges included two further counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking.
The others accused in the investigation include:
Nicholas Edward Bailey, 25, of Sarnia. He's charged with three counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of a schedule one substance, and three counts of failing to comply with a release order.
Tiffany Nadine Chamaillard-Hunter, 47, of Sarnia. She is charged with two counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a schedule one substance.
Danielle Alana Smith, 24, of Sarnia. She is charged with two counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a schedule one substance.
Timothy Ross Tomlinson, 55, of Sarnia. He is charged with two counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a schedule one substance.
Sarnia police said Bailey remains in custody.
Charges against the accused have not been proven in court.