Eight people have been arrested and 41 charges laid following a months-long investigation into drug trafficking in Cobourg and surrounding communities, say police.
The Cobourg Police Service (CPS) say with support from the OPP and several regional police services, executed three search warrants on April 22 at properties in Cobourg, Port Hope and Bowmanville as part of Project Amalie, a multi-jurisdictional operation targeting a suspect allegedly trafficking Schedule I substances while under bail conditions.
Police say they seized two loaded handguns, two replica firearms, opioid pills, nearly 400 grams of cocaine, and approximately $75,000 in Canadian currency. Officers also recovered offence-related property including vehicles and jewellery worth an estimated $115,000. The street value of the drugs seized is about $40,000.
Those arrested include residents from Cobourg, Port Hope, Bowmanville and Aurora, some of whom were already on release orders for prior firearm and drug offences.
Charges include possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and multiple firearms offences. All accused were held for bail hearings.
The investigation involved several units including the OPP’s emergency response team, repeat offender parole enforcement (ROPE) squad, K9 units, and members of the Port Hope and Belleville police services.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and urge anyone with information to contact them or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
Tips can be submitted at stopcrimehere.ca or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS. Cash rewards may be available.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)