Active police investigation 23-30079

ACTIVE POLICE INVESTIGATION
Charges laid, investigation ongoing

UPDATE #5 - LONDON, ON (April 14, 2023) - The individual previously wanted in relation to this investigation, Felice Ferri, has been arrested.

UPDATE # 4 – LONDON, ON (April 11, 2023) – Charges have been laid in relation to a drug and weapons investigation that commenced last week on Commissioners Road East.

The following items were seized:

• Approximately 140 kg of marihuana shake, estimated value $14,000
• Approximately 162 liters of suspected cannabis resin, estimated value $8,100,200
• Approximately 1.2 kg of suspected cannabis butter, estimated value $96,000
• Approximately 1.34 kg of suspected cannabis ‘shatter’, estimated value $67,000
• 672 cannabis gummy edibles, estimated value $3,360
• 143 cannabis lollipops, estimated value $715
• 551 grams of psilocybin, estimated value $5,510
• 231 grams of MDMA, estimated value of $11,550
• 8999 grams of marihuana bud, estimated value $89,990
• Loaded Norinco M305 semi-automatic .308 long rifle
• Loaded .38 caliber handgun
• 14 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition
• 264 rounds of .308 caliber ammunition
• Three (3) cellular telephones
• Extensive laboratory equipment (estimated value $500,000) 

Total estimated value of drugs seized: $8,388,325

As a result of the investigation, Donovan Wendt, 30, of London, and Felice R. Ferri, 46, of London, have been charged jointly with the following offences:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing;
• Possession for the purpose of selling; and
• Alter cannabis with organic solvent.

Donovan Wendt has been charged additionally with the following offences:

• Two (2) counts of possession of a prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a licence and registration certificate;
• Two (2) counts of possess a firearm while prohibited;
• Two (2) counts of possess loaded regulated firearm;
• Three (3) counts of careless storage of a firearm or ammunition; and
• Possess ammunition while prohibited.

Donovan Wendt remains in custody and is scheduled to re-appear in London court today in relation to the charges, while Felice Ferri has not been located and his whereabouts are currently unknown. As such, a warrant has submitted for the arrest of Ferri.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident, or the whereabouts of the wanted man, is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Elgin Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

For media inquiries, contact:

Cst. Sandasha Bough
Media Relations Officer
C. 519-854-8576
Email. Media Officer

UPDATE # 3 – LONDON, ON (April 6, 2023) – Investigators remain on scene at a residence on Commissioners Road East today as they continue to dismantle a complex cannabis extraction laboratory that was located at the home.  The process is time-consuming and requires many areas of expertise. As such – you will see a heavy presence of emergency services at the home until the process is complete.

One male, who was initially arrested on Tuesday, remains in custody on matters unrelated to the drug and weapons investigation.

A second individual arrested on Tuesday, has been released unconditionally while the investigation continues.

When the investigation is complete, and officers have been able to fully examine all evidence on scene, we will provide an update in relation to the ongoing drug investigation.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Elgin Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

UPDATE # 2 – LONDON, ON (April 5, 2023) – Emergency crews remain on scene at a residence in the 400-block of Commissioners Road East in relation to an ongoing investigation.

A preliminary search of the residence in relation to public safety concerns, revealed hazardous materials and equipment that has led investigators to believe that there is a cannabis extraction laboratory located at the home.

With the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Clandestine Laboratory Investigative Response Team (CLIRT), OPP Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET), London Fire Department, and Ontario Fire Marshal Office, LPS officers continue to investigate.

There will be an increased police presence as the investigation continues.

One eastbound lane of Commissioners Road East has been closed to assist with the emergency services presence at this location.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

UPDATE # 1 – LONDON, ON (April 4, 2023) – Police have searched the area and have confirmed there is no threat to public safety. More information will be provided when available.

ORIGINAL – LONDON, ON (April 4, 2023) – At approximately 12:30 p.m., this afternoon, police attended an address in the 400-block of Commissioners Road E in relation to a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals who were arrested for a drug and weapons investigation.

While inside the residence, officers observed potentially hazardous materials and equipment.

London Fire was called in to assist in determining if there was any immediate threat to public safety.

This investigation is in its early stages and police will be remaining on scene overnight and into tomorrow morning.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Elgin Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

For media inquiries, contact:

Cst. Kyrsten Howell-Harries
Relief Media Relations Officer
C. 519-933-0359
Email. Media Officer

23-30079 30156