Latest news with #ThaiTruong
CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
$2.7 million fentanyl bust marks biggest in London, Ont.'s history
Drugs seen seized from London's biggest fentanyl bust in history in London, Ont. on May 28, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) The London Police Service has seized 34.6 kilograms of fentanyl, marking the biggest fentanyl bust in the city's history. The street value of fentanyl seized amounts to $2,773,200. Among the fentanyl, other items were seized: 4.655 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, valued at $465,000 474 grams of cocaine, valued at $47,400 Four handguns (three Glocks and one Springfield 9-millimetre Hellcat) One semi-automatic pistol (Draco 7.62) Extended capacity magazines and drum magazine A silencer Ammunition 17.922 kilograms of cutting agent Approximately $247,944 in Canadian cash Approximately $5,526 in American cash London fentanyl bust may 2025 Weapons seen seized from London's biggest fentanyl bust in history in London, Ont. on May 28, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) 2017 black Hyundai Santa Fe 2020 grey Lexus E35 Sedan 2017 black Audi Q4 2013 red Nissan Altima 2024 black Mercedes S Class 2025 black Lexus NX Fentanyl bust London May 2025 Vehicles seized in the bust. (Source: London police) Warrants were executed at six homes in London, North York, and Hamilton on April 29. 'Today's announcement highlights the critical importance of strong enforcement and community collaboration in addressing the opioid crisis and associated violence in our community,' said Chief Thai Truong. 'This investigation has resulted in the largest fentanyl seizure in the history of our police service, along with the seizure of illegal firearms, significantly disrupting drug trafficking and violence in London. Community safety remains a shared responsibility, and together, we will continue our efforts to reduce harm, prevent violence, and protect lives.' Four men have been charged in the investigation: 44-year-old Mark Barreiras of Toronto, 23-year-old Sajid Bin Saleh of Toronto, 33-year-old Jordayne Anthony Brown of London, and 24-year-old Rohan Reid of London. Fentanyl bust London May 2025 Suspects charged in the bust. (Source: London police) They face the following charges: Nine counts of possession of a restricted weapon or device Five counts of possession of a loaded/regulated firearm Five counts of careless storage of a firearm/ammunition Three counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking One count of producing a schedule one substance Barreiras has additionally been charged with: Three counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order One count of possession of prohibited device contrary to prohibition order Reid has additionally been charged with one count of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order.
Global News
6 days ago
- Global News
Over $3.2M worth of drugs off the street in massive Ontario drug bust
Four people have been arrested and millions of dollars worth of drugs are off the street in what London police are calling the largest fentanyl seized in the force's history. In a press conference on Wednesday, police announced they had seized more than $3.2 million worth of illegal drugs, including $2.77 million worth of fentanyl, $465,500 worth of crystal methamphetamine and $47,400 in cocaine. Police also seized five firearms, including a semi-automatic pistol, $247,944 in Canadian currency, and $5,526 in American currency, among other items. London's police chief said the bust caused a significant disruption to drug trafficking and violence in London. 'Today's announcement highlights the critical importance of strong enforcement and community collaboration in addressing the opioid crisis and associated violence in our community,' said Chief Thai Truong. Story continues below advertisement 'Since 2019, the opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on our community, claiming on average 120 lives each year in London alone. More than 80 per cent of these tragic deaths are directly linked to fentanyl. This crisis is not just local, it extends provincially and nationally.' View image in full screen Over $2.7 million seized in largest fentanyl bust in London police history. Via London Police Servince X Deputy Chief Paul Bastien touched on the dangers the drugs pose to the community at the press conference. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Estimated to be about 100 times more potent than morphine, Bastien warned that just two milligrams of fentanyl — or the size of a few grains of salt — can be lethal, depending on the purity and individual's tolerance. 'While crystal methamphetamine does not carry the same level of toxicity in terms of overdoses as fentanyl does, its long-term effects are devastating,' Bastien warned. Story continues below advertisement Det. Sgt. Jon Meinen says the investigation started in November 2024 following a tip from the community that led to the discovery of a 'sophisticated drug trafficking network set up with ties to Toronto and to Hamilton.' On April 29, 2025, London police along with the help of provincial, Toronto, and Hamilton police forces, executed six search warrants at three addresses in London, two locations in Toronto and one location in Hamilton. Four suspects were located and arrested. They are facing a total of 117 offences, including the production of a schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, specifically the production of fentanyl. During the execution of the warrant, Meinen said police also seized equipment commonly used to manufacture fentanyl, including cooking apparatus masks, gloves, digital scales and packing materials. 'Taken together, this evidence revealed a sophisticated and well-established operation, one that was taking highly potent fentanyl, processing it with various additives, preparing it for sale, and eventual consumption,' Meinen said. Two of the three men arrested have since been released on bail with a third set to appear in court Friday. Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service or Crime Stoppers.
CBC
6 days ago
- Health
- CBC
London police seize record $2.7M of fentanyl, shut down home production facility
Social Sharing London police announced their largest drug bust in the force's history on Wednesday, seizing $2.7 million in fentanyl, along with other drugs, guns and cash. The five-month investigation, including several police forces, led to searching six residences in London, Toronto and Hamilton, where police found close to 35 kg of fentanyl. The drugs were on display at police headquarters during the announcement. "The seizure that we're displaying today has made a significant impact in the drug underworld," said London Police Chief Thai Truong. "Since 2019, the opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on our community, claiming on average 120 lives each year in London … This crisis is not just local; it extends provincially and nationally," said Truong, adding that the investigation was done in collaboration with Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto police and Hamilton police. Police also discovered that one of the residences was being used as a fentanyl production lab. Detective Sergeant Jon Meinen said the seized drugs showed a clear progression of the fentanyl's processing and police found common manufacturing equipment on-site. "Taken together, this evidence revealed a sophisticated and well-established operation," Meinen said. "This is a stark example of a complete disregard for the lives and safety of our vulnerable persons experiencing addictions." Police would not say if the residence was located in London. While searching the homes, police also seized close to five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, close to 500 grams of cocaine, several firearms, ammunition, a cutting agent, six vehicles, and both Canadian and American cash. Five of the firearms can be traced to the United States, Meinen said, adding that one of the handguns, a Draco 7.62, shoots more like a semi-automatic rifle and is prohibited in Canada. "The amount of potential harm to our community represented on these tables is disturbing," said Meinen. Four men, including two from London, are facing a combined total of 117 charges. The four have been jointly charged with the following: Nine counts of possession of a restricted weapon or device. Five counts of possession of a loaded/regulated firearm. Five counts of careless storage of a firearm/ammunition. Five counts of possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm. Three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking; One count of produce a Schedule I substance. Two of the men have additionally been charged with counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to the prohibition order, and one of the men was charged with possession of a prohibited device contrary to the prohibition order. Both of the London men have been released from custody and are scheduled to reappear in London court on May 30. The two Toronto men remain in custody and will reappear in London court on May 29. While charges have already been laid, Truong said the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CBC
22-05-2025
- CBC
High-ranking London police inspector charged with assault while off duty in Ottawa
A senior London officer at the centre of an internal investigation by the city's police chief has been arrested by Ottawa police for two counts of assault. Police in Ottawa arrested and charged Insp. Ryan Scrivens, 48, with assault and assault causing bodily harm for an incident that took place over the Family Day long weekend in mid-February. Scrivens, who is suspended with pay, has been with London police for 25 years. Chief Thai Truong says he has launched an internal investigation into the matter, which will start once court proceedings are over. "The community rightfully expects the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all London Police officers, particularly senior leaders," Truong said in a statement on Wednesday. "Upon learning of this serious matter in February, immediate action was taken, resulting in Inspector Scrivens' suspension. We remain committed to accountability and transparency, understanding that community trust is paramount. Truong said he was unable to comment further due to the integrity of the investigation and to protect the privacy of the victim.
CBC
15-05-2025
- CBC
Police seize drugs 218 times in 1st month of cracking down on open drug use in London
A campaign launched to crack down on open drug use in London's core recorded 218 drug seizures by police in its first three weeks, the head of the London police foot patrol unit says. London's police chief unveiled the approach, dubbed Project Pathways, during a news conference on April 8. The seizure tally spans its launch that day through to April 30, said Staff Sgt. Sherri Baltzer. "I think it's going really well. We've had a lot of positive feedback from the community at large," Baltzer told CBC News. There's been a "marked difference" in the way people using drugs are responding to officers, she said. "A lot of times in the past, they weren't even making any effort to hide it, even when officers were coming up … We're still finding a significant amount of that, but nothing near what it was." The aim is to deter such open drug use, which has become a visible issue, and provide pathways to support services. To do that, police increased foot patrol officers and patrols in downtown, midtown, and Old East Village, with some paired with health care workers. The public's perception was that police were "just walking by" blatant, open drug use, Chief Thai Truong said last month. "We've heard that loud and clear. We're expecting our officers to engage … we need to pivot." Of the 218 seizures in April, most involved fentanyl and ended with officers not laying charges for personal amounts, a decision up to the discretion of each member of foot patrol, which numbers 27 constables, two sergeants and Baltzer. "They're not typically laying a charge unless circumstances dictate they should lay the charge," such as how often they've been spoken to, and where they were using. Roughly 49 per cent of their calls in April were related to trespassing, and 46 per cent to in-progress drug use, Baltzer said, adding officers had seized no firearms yet, but had seized "a lot of knives." Most people the unit interacts with are known to them by name, and will oftentimes voluntarily turn over their drugs, she said. Some searches have turned up larger drug amounts, leading to charges for possessing for trafficking. "If they're illegal drugs, then we are seizing them," she said. "If there's someone using openly, that's our first engagement with them, and we will seize those drugs, or if they have a small amount in a pipe or on a piece of tin foil, we will seize that and tag that for destruction." Most interactions involve compliant individuals who receive a warning and are advised of resources, however fewer people than expected are biting. "I was hopeful more people would accept the resources we're offering, or that we're saying are available," Baltzer said. Police can't force someone into harm reduction or recovery, but can serve as a contact for social agencies, and provide transportation assistance. Participants with London's Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service site have told workers they were referred by police, said Megan Van Boheemen, director of harm reduction services with Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC). In some cases, officers have walked with participants to the site, she said. Nearly 1,900 people accessed Carepoint in April, up from the monthly average of 1,500, and staff responded to 28 overdoses, also above average, Van Boheemen said. Given Project Pathways is still new, she declined to draw a direct correlation between it and the increases. Police have been collaborative in developing the project, working with RHAC, London Health Sciences Centre, and other agencies. To prepare, foot patrol officers toured Carepoint and got a rundown of its operations, Baltzer said. Like other province-funded consumption sites, Carepoint participants can only ingest, inject, and snort their drugs. Only two facilities in Canada offer supervised inhalation services — Casey House in Toronto, and Prairie Harm Reduction in Saskatoon. "People who inhale their substances don't have a place anywhere in the community to safely use," and seizing drugs can put them in a cycle of needing to get more, said Chris Moss, executive director of London Cares. "It's a negative cycle that does increase criminality in the community, it could increase violence and can increase escalations … Taking it away isn't solving any problems, it's actually perpetuating more." The problem is compounded by a lack of medicated withdrawal options for those with fentanyl addictions, who can't just quit cold turkey, she said. She's concerned people may just go elsewhere, out of view, to avoid having drugs confiscated. "I certainly hope that's not an end result, but none of our statistics right now show that that's the case," Baltzer said of increased criminality. She says there's no evidence to suggest that it was pushing people into areas where they may overdose alone.
