Belleville police say a major drug and firearms investigation has resulted in the seizure of multiple loaded weapons, large quantities of illegal drugs and charges against eight people.
The investigation involved Belleville Police’s Intelligence and Street Crime Unit, K9 Unit, Emergency Response Unit and the OPP’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau East.
Police say the operation began June 15 with a vehicle stop near North Park Street and Bell Boulevard. Officers seized two loaded handguns, more than 200 grams of cocaine, nearly 120 grams of fentanyl, a quantity of prescription pills, more than $8,000 in cash and several cell phones.
Search warrants executed at two north-end Belleville motels later led to the seizure of additional cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The following day, investigators carried out additional search warrants at two Belleville properties and one location in Plainfield.
Police say officers seized more than 2.2 kilograms of fentanyl, 229 grams of cocaine, hundreds of pills, nearly $19,000 in cash, three handguns, a short rifle, ammunition and a prohibited suppressor. One of the firearms was discovered in a hidden compartment by Belleville Police Service Dog Bax.
Eight people were arrested as a result of the investigation.
Two Oshawa men, ages 26 and 28, face numerous drug trafficking and firearms-related charges and were held for bail hearings. Additional charges were laid against six people from Belleville and the surrounding area, including allegations involving drug trafficking, proceeds of crime and probation violations.
The charges have not been tested in court.
Police have not released an estimated street value for the drugs seized.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
