Drug Bust In Deseronto

(DESERONTO, ON) – A three month investigation by members of the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau-Drug Enforcement Unit (OCEB-DEU), assisted by members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory Police (TMTP), Belleville Police Service, Napanee OPP, OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and OPP Regional Support Team has resulted in drug charges against several individuals.

On Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. members of the TMTP stopped the driver of a vehicle suspected of being involved in the trafficking of prescription pills. As a result of the investigation officers seized 169 hydromorph contin 30 mg pills with an estimated street value of $5,070. Charged with theft of gas and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking is 29 year-old David BRANIGAN of Belleville.

On Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11:12 a.m. members of the OCEB-DEU, assisted by members of the OPP Emergency Response Team, TMTP and Napanee OPP executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence on Dundas Street in Deseronto.

Charged with trafficking a controlled substance (hydromorphone), two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (hydromorphone and hash oil), two counts of possession of a prohibited device, and possession of property obtained by crime is 51 year-old Cristopher HOWIE of Deseronto.

Charged with possession of a controlled substance (hydromorphone) and breach of probation is 31 year-old Wesley ROBERTS of Deseronto. Charged with possession of a controlled substance (hydromorphone) is 28 year-old Stephanie LALONDE of Deseronto. Charged with driving while disqualified, possession of a controlled substance (marihuana), and breach of probation is 29 year-old Jordan RAITHBY of Deseronto. Charged with possession of a controlled substance (hydromorphone) is 44 year-old Robert HUFFMAN of Deseronto.

With the assistance of members of the OPP Regional Support Team, Belleville Police Service, Quinte West OPP and Central Hastings OPP, search warrants were executed at residences in Marlbank and the City of Belleville.

Charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance (hydromorphone and marihuana) is 66 year-old Laverne ARMSTRONG of Belleville.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information in relation to the production, sale or distribution of illegal drugs is asked to contact their nearest police agency, Crime Stoppers or report anonymously online at Tipsubmit.com

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