Belleville Police Service. /BPS Facebook photo
An investigation into what police described as an “organized cocaine-trafficking syndicate” between the Greater Toronto Area and the Quinte Region has led to several arrests and drug and firearm charges, say Belleville police.
According to the Belleville Police Service, in May 2023, officers with “Project Renewal” started their investigation dubbed “Project Continental.”
On Thursday, June 6, officers with Project Renewal, with the assistance of the Belleville police’s emergency response and canine units reported conducting a vehicle stop in the Shannonville Road Tyendinaga area.
Two people were arrested inside the vehicle and officers allege a large quantity of cocaine and Canadian currency were seized.
According to police, subsequent to the vehicle stop – and with help from the OPP’s organized crime enforcement bureau and Quinte West community street crime unit – officers conducted three Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants at two residences in Belleville and one residence in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
An additional vehicle stop was also conducted on Wallbridge-Loyalist Road in Belleville, reported police.
As a result of the investigation, police allege they seized two kilograms of cocaine, 28 TEC 3 (codeine) pills, approximately $13,500 in Canadian currency, a Glock .45-caliber handgun and various ammunition, a high-capacity drum magazine, brass knuckles, codeine pills, and numerous cellphones.
CHARGES LAID BY POLICE:
A 28-year-old resident of Tyendinaga was charged with: Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine; possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, and possession of ammunition, contrary to a prohibition order.
A 30-year-old resident of Tyendinaga was charged with: Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.
A 26-year-old Belleville resident was charged with: Possession for the purpose of trafficking – codeine; possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possession of a prohibited device for a dangerous purpose.
A 42-year-old Belleville resident was charged with: Unauthorized possession of a weapon; unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm; possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo; carry firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner; possession of a firearm or ammunition, contrary to a prohibition order, and possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.
A 39-year-old Belleville resident was charged with: Unauthorized possession of a weapon; unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm; possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo; carry firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner, and possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.
None of these charges have been proven in court.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
