Woodstock Police release details of historic cash grab

Police provided an update on Project Eldorado on Wednesday, saying they have confiscated over $1 million in cash and a firearm following the execution of a second search warrant in the city. (WPS Photo)

Editor’s note – Woodstock Police released an update to an earlier story shortly before press time on Wednesday, May 6. The original story is posted below this update.

The Woodstock Police Service is providing an update to its previously reported Street Crime Unit (SCU) investigation under Project Delorean, which resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs seized on April 23.

Members of the SCU executed an additional search warrant on April 24 at a commercial location on Dundas Street in Woodstock.

“The execution of the warrant resulted in the seizure of a loaded handgun and $1,024,720 in Canadian currency, marking the largest cash seizure in Woodstock Police Service history,” said a press release.

As a result of the investigation, one of the four people previously arrested, a 28-year-old male from Woodstock, has been further charged with possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, and careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition.

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.

“This seizure represents a significant disruption to criminal activity in our community. Removing illegal firearms and a substantial amount of illicit proceeds reinforces the Woodstock Police Service’s commitment to targeting organized crime and enhancing public safety,” added the release.

Woodstock Police make multiple arrests following intense investigations

Firearms and drugs seized as three people face charges

The Woodstock Police Service Street Crime Unit (SCU) has announced the results of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act investigation conducted under Project Eldorado, following observations of suspected drug trafficking activity in Woodstock.

Members of the SCU, with assistance from the Woodstock Police Service Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and Uniform Patrol, executed a warrant in the area of Ferguson Drive in the city on April 23.

Three people, two 21-year-old males from Woodstock and a 19-year-old female from Strathroy, were arrested and jointly charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine

• Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon (two counts)

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

• Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm

• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm

• Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition

One of the 21-year-old males faces an additional charge of cocaine trafficking.

“The investigation and execution of the warrant resulted in the seizure of a loaded handgun, two conducted energy weapons, $14,315 in Canadian currency, and cocaine with an estimated street value of $3,500,” said a WPS press release.

In a separate investigation called Project Delorean, the SCU executed another warrant on the same day, with assistance from ERU and Uniform Patrol, in the Bay Street area.

Four Woodstock residents, two 28-year-old males, a 27-year-old male, and a 38-year-old male, all from Woodstock, were arrested and jointly charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking - other drugs

One of the 28-year-old males has also been charged with cocaine trafficking.

“The execution of the warrant resulted in the seizure of cocaine with an estimated street value of $94,000, $22,575 in Canadian currency, a significant quantity of handgun and shotgun ammunition, a quantity of other narcotics, and an armoured vest,” said the release.

All parties were held in custody for bail hearings and both investigations remain open.

“These investigations highlight the Woodstock Police Service’s continued focus on disrupting drug trafficking networks and removing firearms from the community. Through targeted enforcement, we remain committed to enhancing public safety and reducing the risks associated with drugs and weapons in our community,” added police.