(ARRAN-ELDERSLIE, ON) – On Tuesday, June 12th, 2012, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Drug Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the South Bruce OPP Crime Unit, OPP West Region Emergency Response Team, Canine, and Canada Border Services Agency executed a search warrant at a residence on Brook Street East, in the Village of Tara, Municipality of Arran-Elderslie. As a result, police investigators seized a quantity of cocaine with an estimated street value of $21,400.00. Five firearms were also seized during the search, as well as offence related property that included several cell phones and a laptop computer.
The following individuals have been charged in conjunction with the investigation:
Christopher KLERKS, male, age 26 years of Tara is charged with Importing a Controlled Substance contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Possession of a Controlled Substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and four counts of Careless Storage of a Firearm contrary to 86(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Sara Lynn SMITH, female, age 25 years of Tara is charged with Importing a Controlled Substance contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Possession of a Controlled Substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and four counts of Careless Storage of a Firearm contrary to 86(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Ashley SMITH, female, age 24 years of Tara is charged with Importing a Controlled Substance contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Possession of a Controlled Substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and four counts of Careless Storage of a Firearm contrary to 86(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
All three parties are scheduled to appear in Owen Sound court on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012, for a bail hearing.
The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information that can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or send a web-tip to crimestop-gb.org, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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