14 arrested in drug and firearms bust

Fourteen people have been arrested after a “significant seizure” of illegal drugs and firearms in a six-month joint investigation. In a news release, Waterloo Regional Police say the service partnered with police in Stratford and Woodstock, completing what police called high-risk warrants at multiple homes in four areas — Cambridge, Kitchener, Stratford and the Town of St. Marys. After completing the investigation on Sept. 15, 14 people ranging from 25 to 51 were charged with more than 90 criminal offences.

This included conspiracy to traffic and trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine; possession for the purpose of trafficking; trafficking firearms; unauthorized possession of firearms; and possession of property obtained by crime. Police seized more than 5,300 grams of methamphetamine, 400 grams of cocaine and 2,400 grams of fentanyl. This amounts to a “street value” of more than $760,000, a police news release reads. Seven firearms including three handguns, two rifles, a carbine and a shotgun; ammunition; three conducted energy weapons; equipments to process and mix fentanyl; and equipment to press and package drugs were also discovered and seized. More than $560,000 in currency and about $100,000 in alleged profit from crimes, such as luxury watches and jewelry were found.