$1,000,000 in drugs seized during Project Otter

Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) commended the ‘exceptional work’ done by its officers, and everyone involved in Project Otter, wherein more than $1,000,000 in drugs was seized.

The seizure includes more than 700 grams of fentanyl, a record one time seizure for Sault Police.

DRPS executed two search warrants, one in Oshawa and another in Whitby. During the execution of the two search warrants, Durham Police officers located and seized some six kilograms of methamphetamine and about $50,000 in Canadian, American, and Jamaican currency.

The estimated street value of the drugs seized in Durham Region is $620,000.

During the execution of the two search warrants in Sault Ste. Marie, one of a residence and one of the vehicle seized, officers located and arrested the five accused.

During the search warrants, officers located and seized:

• Approximately 703 grams of fentanyl,
• Approximately 900 grams of methamphetamine,
• Approximately 320 grams of Cocaine,
• Approximately $74,000 in Canadian currency, and
• A stolen vehicle.

The estimated street value of the drugs seized in Sault Ste. Marie is $470,000.

The total estimated street value of the drugs seized during Project Otter is $1,090,000, said a police statement.

Intense investigations were carried out by the Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) and Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, as well as partners with the Durham Regional Police Service and Thunder Bay Police Service.

“Removing this poison from our community will save lives. This amount of fentanyl is the equivalent of 70,000 potentially fatal doses,” said Sault Police Chief Hugh Stevenson. “The dedication of our CSU, DEU and partner agencies is making all of our communities a safer place. We are committed to identifying traffickers in our community. We will seize their assets and bring them before the courts.”

Project Otter is not possible without the support and commitment of our partner agencies, the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO), the Durham Regional Police Service and the Thunder Bay Police Service, he added.