OPP’s organized crime enforcement bureau says police have made an alleged $6-million drug bust and laid 39 charges against three individuals after an enforcement effort in the Ottawa and Prince Edward County area.
On Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, OPP issued a release saying police had seized 47 kilograms of suspected cocaine and a firearm – along with other items – and that three individuals were facing charges under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act following their investigation.
Back in September 2024, the OPP-led biker enforcement unit (BEU), Ottawa Police Service (OPS) drug unit, and Brockville Police Service (BPS) intelligence unit reportedly started project MIDFIELD to address drug-trafficking activity in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario with a nexus to the Greater Toronto Area, reads the release.
On Nov. 27, 2024, four search warrants were executed at residences and vehicles in Ottawa and Milford by members from the OPP-led BEU, OPP provincial asset forfeiture unit, OPP emergency response team, OPS drug unit, OPS neighbourhood resource team and OPS tactical unit, said police.
As a result, police said the following items were allegedly seized: One firearm, five magazines with ammunition, body armour, 47 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 250 grams of suspected psilocybin, more than 100 pounds of illicit cannabis, five cellphones, a money counter, indicia of drug-trafficking, including packaging and a digital scale, $6,810 in Canadian currency, and two vehicles as offence-related property.
“The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $6 million,” reported police, on Monday, adding a combined total of 39 charges were laid against three individuals as a result of the investigation.
“The quantity of cocaine seized in this investigation will have (a) significant impact on local drug-trafficking networks,” said acting OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, with the organized crime enforcement bureau. “The OPP will continue to work on joint forces initiatives with our partner agencies to remove illegal drugs from our communities …” continued Stoddart.
THE CHARGES:
As a result of the investigation, police said Dylan Graham, 37, of Ottawa, and Kaylee Diotte, 22, of Milford, were charged with: Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, careless storage of a firearm, storage of a firearm in contravention of regulations, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, four counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized, possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, five counts of possession of a weapon obtained by commission of offence, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking – psilocybin, and possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing.
None of these charges have been proven in court.
Police said Emma Durkan, 25, of Ottawa, was also charged with the following offences: Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking – psilocybin, and possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing.
None of these charges have been proven in court.
Two of the accused were remanded into custody upon arrest, and one individual was released, reported OPP, adding the accused are scheduled to appear before the courts in Ottawa at a later date.
Anyone with information about possession, production or trafficking of illegal drugs is asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
