(NEW LISKEARD, ON) – On November 11, 2015 at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) North Bay Drug Unit, supported by Temiskaming Shores OPP Detachment, executed a Search Warrant at a residence in New Liskeard.
The investigation focused on an individual who was producing cannabis resin, (shatter).
As a result of this investigation, two people were arrested while leaving a residence on Armstrong Street in New Liskeard. A search warrant was subsequently executed at the residence and evidence seized confirmed the ongoing production of cannabis resin (shatter). Seized from the residence was: 1,530 grams of marihuana, 2 grams of cannabis resin, $2,595 cash, and materials required to produce cannabis resin (shatter). The estimated street value of the drugs is $15,000.
The levels of Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the extracts of cannabis marihuana can range from 70% to 99% in shatter form, compared to 5% to 28% THC in dried marihuana bud. The potency of shatter can be highly addictive and toxic due in part to the extremely high level of THC. When consumed, shatter is known to cause a psychoactive effect or high that is very appealing to the user. Users of shatter may be unaware of the potency of the product and consume too much, too often, which can have devastating consequences.
The extraction process to remove THC from cannabis marihuana can also be extremely dangerous due to the highly flammable nature of the solvent used to separate the THC from the plant.
Christopher DUFFNEY, age 31, and Jennifer SCHNAKENBERG, age 27, both of New Liskeard, have each been charged with the following offences:
Production of Cannabis Resin, (shatter), contrary to section 7(1), of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
Possession of Cannabis Resin, (shatter), contrary to section 4(1), CDSA.
Possession of Cannabis Resin (shatter) for the Purposes of Trafficking, contrary to section 5(2), CDSA.
Possession of Cannabis Marihuana, contrary to section 4(1), CDSA.
Possession of Cannabis Marihuana for the Purposes of Trafficking, contrary to section 5(2), CDSA.
Possession of Cannabis Resin, contrary to section 4(1), CDSA.
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, contrary to section 354(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
The accused persons were released from custody on a Promise to Appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on December 22, 2015 in Haileybury, Ontario.