DRUG ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS PRESS CONFERENCE

DRUG ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS SEE 50 PEOPLE CHARGED
30 guns and approximately $789,000 worth of drugs seized

LONDON, ON (July 15, 2024) – Between January and July of 2024, members of the London Police Service Guns and Gangs Section, with the assistance of members of various other areas within the service, seized multiple guns, drugs and cash from the streets of London.

“Community Safety is a top priority for our organization.  Drug trafficking, in all its forms, devastates lives and jeopardizes the well-being of our entire community.  This issue threatens the safety of our residents, workers and visitors alike.  In addition to the illegal cocaine trade, the diversion of safe supply, particularly hydromorphone, is a growing concern.  For the past six months, our Guns and Gangs Section has actively targeted those trafficking illegal drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl and diverted hydromorphone.  Our organization will continue our efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all Londoners,” said Chief Thai Truong.

Detective Sergeant Josh Silcox, head of the LPS Guns and Gangs Section said drug trafficking poses a safety risk to everyone in our city. “Members of the LPS Guns and Gangs Section conduct proactive investigations into drug trafficking and firearms-related offences in an attempt to disrupt, deter, and hold individuals accountable to keep our city safe. Combatting drug trafficking is a team effort that not only involves our team, but our community partners and all Londoners,” he said. “Today, you will see the results of the hard work of our dedicated team. We are committed to doing our part to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our city and appreciate the help we receive from our community in doing so.”

Since January of 2024, a total of 21 search warrants were executed by the Guns and Gangs Section in London, with the following items seized as a result:  

• 11,132 Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) pills
• 2 kg of Fentanyl
• 3 kg of Methamphetamine
• 5 kg of Cocaine
• 296 grams of Crack Cocaine
• 1,875 Oxycodone pills
• 153 grams of Carfentanyl
• Conductive Energy Weapon (CEW)
• 30 firearms
• Approximately $79,877 in cash

The seized drugs are estimated to have a street value of approximately $789,000.

As a result of the warrants and seizures, a total of 50 people were charged resulting in a combined 144 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act charges and 103 Criminal Code of Canada charges.

Anyone who wishes to report information in relation to firearms or illegal drug trafficking 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 Middlesex Crime Stoppers. 

For media inquiries, contact:

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

*For larger images of the seized items, email the Media Officer.