Multiple arrests and drug seizures made by Woodstock Police

Lee Griffi, Editor

A downtown drug blitz by members of the Woodstock Police Service (WPS) has led to five arrests and the confiscation of illicit drugs.

Police conducted a series of enforcement initiatives resulting in multiple arrests, charges and drug seizures following numerous complaints from the public.

Members of the Street Crimes Unit arrested two males in the area of Dundas and Marlboro Streets on July 2.

“Approximately 1.8 grams of suspected crack cocaine and 12.6 grams of suspected fentanyl were seized, representing an estimated 126 potentially lethal doses. Over $1,000 in Canadian currency and a digital scale were also taken,” said a police press release.

A 37-year-old male has been charged with Trafficking a Schedule I substance (cocaine), two counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (Cocaine and fentanyl), possession of property obtained by crime, and two counts of failure to comply with a probation order.

A 52-year-old male has also been charged with Possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine).

The next bust came on July 10 when police conducted a targeted enforcement initiative in response to ongoing complaints of open-air drug use.

Members of the Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from Uniform Patrol, arrested several people for alleged possession of Schedule I substances. Additional Criminal Code charges were laid, and Provincial Offence Notices were issued.

Items associated with the consumption of controlled substances, including glass pipes and foil, were also seized.

On July 12, uniform patrol officers were conducting checks at businesses in the downtown core when they came upon a group of people loitering on private property.

One male, who was known to police, was arrested on an outstanding warrant held by another police service. A search resulted in the location of approximately 8.9 grams of suspected fentanyl, representing an estimated 89 potentially lethal doses.

A 33-year-old male has been charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl) and failure to comply with a probation order.

A citizen turned over property they had located in the downtown core on the following day. It included approximately 7.6 grams of suspected fentanyl, representing an estimated 76 potentially lethal doses, as well as a folding knife.

“The Woodstock Police Service thanks the members of the public who continue to report suspicious activity. We remain committed to working with residents, businesses and community partners to promote a safe and welcoming downtown,” added the release.

The release said police will continue to conduct targeted enforcement initiatives and visible patrols to address community concerns regarding open-air drug use and other unlawful activity in the downtown core.

“We hear the concerns being raised by members of the public, and we are listening. Everyone deserves to feel safe in our community,” explained Deputy Chief Jamie Taylor. “That is why we have assigned additional resources to address open drug use and the related behaviours affecting public safety.”

He added substance use disorder is a serious health issue but added the possession of illicit drugs remains a criminal offence.

“Our officers will continue to assess each situation individually and use their discretion while enforcing the law. We also recognize that policing alone will not solve addiction. We continue to work with public health agencies and community partners to connect individuals with appropriate supports while addressing open drug use and other behaviours that negatively affect residents, businesses and public spaces.”

Taylor said possession of small amounts of illicit drugs may sometimes be perceived as a lower-priority issue that does not affect the broader community.

“However, the personal use of an unpredictable and increasingly toxic drug supply can have serious consequences for individual health, public safety and emergency-service resources.”

Last month, Southwestern Public Health issued a drug alert regarding the possible presence of xylazine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines in the local crystal methamphetamine and cocaine supply. This contamination means that individuals may not know what substances they are consuming or what the outcome may be.

“The risks were evident overnight. Within approximately 40 minutes - from 11:30 p.m. on July 22 to 12:10 a.m. on July 23 - police, paramedics and firefighters responded to at least five suspected overdoses. Some of those incidents required the administration of naloxone, and each one had the potential to result in a fatality,” he added.

Taylor said the fentanyl and other drug-related items recently seized by police are a reminder of the serious dangers associated with the illicit drug supply.

“Our priority is to protect the community by enforcing the law, working collaboratively with our partners and taking steps to prevent further harm and tragedy. We also want to remind individuals affected by substance use and addiction that help is available. The Oxford County Community Health Centre offers a Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, which provides timely access to addiction treatment, support and referrals.”