Woodstock Police briefs

Woodstock Police arrested two men and took illicit drugs off the streets following a recent drug investigation. (Woodstock Police Service Photo).

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Foot patrol leads to arrests

Woodstock Police officers conducted a proactive foot patrol in the downtown core on Friday, Sept. 5, and it paid off.

Three people were arrested for possession of a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and seven Provincial Offence Notices were issued for “engaging in a prohibited activity” under the Trespass to Property Act. Officers also addressed abandoned property and other safety concerns.

“These patrols are part of our ongoing efforts to reduce open-air drug use, support community well-being, and maintain a safe and welcoming downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors,” said a police press release.

Two arrested, fentanyl seized in Woodstock drug investigation

The Woodstock Police Service Drugs and Intelligence Unit has laid multiple charges after a drug trafficking investigation led to two arrests last week.

On August 26, 2025, investigators arrested two men near Blossom Park Road in connection with the trafficking and production of controlled substances.

Officers seized suspected fentanyl (or carfentanil), cocaine with an estimated street value of $5,600, prescription pills, drug production materials, and Canadian currency. Approximately 15.2 grams of the suspected fentanyl/carfentanil will undergo further analysis due to its extreme potency and potentially lethal effects.

A 28-year-old man from Chatham and a 25-year-old man from Etobicoke have been jointly charged with:

• Two counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking

• Possession of a Schedule I substance

In addition:

• The 28-year-old faces charges of possession of a Schedule I substance and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

• The 25-year-old faces two additional counts of possession of a Schedule I substance and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Both accused were held for a bail hearing.

August statistics

Police have decided to release monthly crime statistics to the public.

In August, the Woodstock Police Service responded to 2,193 occurrences, made 129 arrests, and recorded 174 foot-patrol hours.

A total of 267 charges were laid, including 152 Criminal Code charges, 75 Highway Traffic Act charges, and 14 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act charges.