$2.5 Million Drug Bust

(PETAWAWA, ON) – Police have arrested eight individuals and are seeking public assistance in relation to a firearm incident in Petawawa.

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m., members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a firearm discharged in the hallway of an apartment building on Wolfe Avenue. The shooter reportedly fled on foot and remains outstanding.

The investigation later revealed that the residence, which was occupied by a family, was mistakenly targeted. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Efforts continue to locate the person of interest in this investigation who may be in the Montreal, Quebec, area. The individual is described as:

·      White male

·      30 – 40 years old

·      Approximately 5’10” (178 cm) with a thin build

·      Last seen wearing a dark-coloured medical mask, dark jacket and dark pants

The individual is considered armed and a potential risk to public safety. If seen, call 9-1-1 and do not approach.

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, search warrants were executed in Ontario and Quebec as part of the ongoing investigation. Eight individuals were arrested and charged with a total of 47 offences. A list of arrested persons, their municipality of residence and their respective charges is attached to this media release (see ADDENDUM – PETAWAWA ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE).

During the investigation, police seized the following items with approximate quantities:

·      9mm handgun with serial number removed

·      Two replica handguns

·      Ammunition

·      17,000 suspected methamphetamine tablets

·      15.5 kg suspected cocaine

·      12.3 kg suspected fentanyl

·      124 g suspected crack cocaine

·      3,000 suspected hydromorphone tablets

·      112 g suspected crystal methamphetamine

·      Jewellery valued at $150,000

·      More than $264,000 in Canadian currency

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $2.5 million.

The UOV OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with assistance from OPP Forensic Identification Services and the OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit. Additional support was provided by Gatineau Police, Sûreté du Quebec, Ottawa Police, OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, OPP Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau and OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.

Anyone with information that may assist this investigation, including relevant home security or dashcam video, should contact the UOV OPP at 613-732-3332 or 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.  

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