Project Brake — an OPP investigation into drug trafficking on Walpole Island First Nation — has resulted in charges against three individuals in London, Ont., and the seizure of an estimated $1.28M in fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and more.
Project Brake has resulted in numerous charges
Dalson Chen · CBC News
·
Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Three individuals based in London, Ont. are facing long lists of charges following an OPP investigation into drug trafficking on Walpole Island First Nation.
On Wednesday, OPP West Region shared the results of Project Brake — a police operation that involved multiple jurisdictions.
Chief Leela Thomas, head of Walpole Island First Nation's council, said the council appreciates the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies.
"This investigation demonstrates the importance of partnerships in protecting residents and holding those responsible accountable," Thomas said.
According to OPP, the investigation began in April with Lambton County OPP's community street crime unit, who received information about suspected drug trafficking on Walpole Island.
On July 17, members of that unit — with the help of frontline resources from across OPP West Region — raided two residences in London.
Police said those search warrants resulted in the seizure of "significant quantities" of suspected fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine — plus firearms, stolen vehicles, Canadian cash and other evidence.
The total estimated value of the substances and items seized is $1.28 million, OPP said.
WATCH | $1.28M in contraband seized, 3 Londoners arrested after drug trafficking investigation on Walpole Island: $1.28M in contraband seized, 3 Londoners arrested after drug trafficking investigation on Walpole Island August 19| Duration 1:53
Three London residents were arrested in the raids: a 27-year-old and two 28-year-olds.
Each are facing more than 20 charges under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Two remain in custody. One was released and is expected to appear in court in September.
Kristin Noble, a citizen of Walpole Island First Nation and a member of Bkejwanong Territory, said she only learned about the investigation a couple of days ago — but she's glad about the results.
"I'm happy that this has happened, and I wish that more could be done," she told CBC Windsor. "If there's going to be more police presence, why weren't they monitoring the drug houses on this island?"
"I hope to see more of a clean-up, because it affects our children... and they already have trauma from past experiences with their parents."
Noble recalled having a conversation with a young man who was helping with a community feast on Walpole Island First Nation. He told her he was recovering from drug addiction, which he got into at the age of 14.
"He lost his dad, his mom moved away... He didn't have anybody," Noble said. "I think, for us, as a people, as a nation, we're kind of shy and not willing to say 'I need therapy' or 'I need help.'"
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dalson Chen is a video journalist at CBC Windsor. He is a graduate of the University of Guelph and Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan University). His past areas of coverage have included arts, crime, courts, municipal affairs, and human interest. He can be reached via dalson.chen@cbc.ca.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.