A number of individuals – including two St. Thomas females – have been charged and $32 million worth of drugs taken off the street through Project Gainsborough.
The OPP and London Police Services began the investigation back in June of 2020 after becoming aware of large-scale drug distribution in the London area.
Detective Inspector Jim Walker said the legalization of cannabis has not slowed the production of illegal cannabis, but rather given criminals another avenue to create more.
Walker continued, saying these grow ops across southwestern Ontario were making cannabis to be sent all across the country and even abroad.
On November 3rd of this year, police executed 15 search warrants at locations in London (8), Hamilton (2), Toronto (1), St. Thomas (1), Middlesex County (1) and Norfolk County (2).
As a result of this investigation, police seized:
495 kilograms of illegal cannabis resin/oil;
7,166 kilograms of illegal cannabis bud;
Approximately 10,000 packages of illegal cannabis edibles;
2,773 kilograms of illegal cannabis shake;
185 kilograms of illegal cannabis shatter;
15,343 illegal cannabis plants;
65 kilograms of psilocybin;
124 grams of cocaine;
28 oxycodone pills;
50 hydromorphone pills;
Grow equipment valued at more than $653,000;
Six firearms and ammunition, including four handguns, a .22 cal rifle and a 12 gauge sawed off shotgun;
More than $53,000 CAD currency; and six vehicles as offence-related property, with a combined value of approximately $163,000.
Walker noted the guns seized, and what that means for the communities in which they were taken.
A total of 21 members or associates of a criminal organization have been arrested and charged with 118 offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), Cannabis Act and Criminal Code, including charges related to organized crime.
Investigators also identified two clandestine cannabis extraction labs located in Brampton and Middlesex County as well, which required a specialized team to dismantle the equipment safely.
Upon arrest, three of the accused were held in custody.
The remaining 18 were released and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in London on various dates in November and December.
The St. Thomas women charged are Brittany Rutledge and Kristine Ferris-Smith who are each facing seven drug-related charges.
Their first court appearance is Dec. 3.
