CREDIT: MELANIE ANDERSON
Over a three-week period, London Police seized over $135,000 in drugs, including 1 kilogram of cocaine.

During three weeks from mid- January to early February, the London police seized over $135,000 worth of drugs as well as firearms, knives, and $12,000 cash.

At one search warrant executed on Hyatt Avenue on February 4, the police seized over $61,000 worth of drugs and cash. They discovered 577.5 grams of crystal meth, along with 13 grams of marijuana, 0.2 grams of crack cocaine and nearly $4,000 cash. Two men were charged as a result of the investigation.

This was one of 18 search warrants executed in 21 days. As a part of this focused project, the London Police Street Gang Unit and the Guns and Drug Section arrested 59 subjects and laid 173 charges.

Police Chief Brad Duncan stated he was most concerned about the weapons. “We also seized four handguns, one sawed-off shotgun, five prohibited flick knives and three expandable batons. It is the presence of these weapons that pose the biggest risk for police and the wider community.”

Chief Duncan recognized the positive results of this project, but said, “We will continue to focus our efforts on the illicit drug trade ... our frontline officers and our drug investigators know from their experience and street work that drug trafficking is directly tied to violence and in particular the potential use of firearms.” The community also had an impact on their decision to focus on the drug trade. Duncan explained that after a public survey and consultative process, Londoners agreed that combating drugs, gangs and weapons should be a top priority.

“It's clear drugs drive criminality, as Det. Insp. Kevin Heslop will tell you that whether it's break and enters, stolen cars, petty thefts, there's clearly lines that run back to drug use and the drug trade.”

Duncan confirmed that there are some “linkages” between the individuals involved in the 18 search warrants executed, but didn't provide any details. He did say that although this project was not specifically targeting gangs, some associates within the project do have those kinds of connections.

The hope is to eliminate the violence and weapons associated with the drug trade. “Our plan for success is straightforward and direct,” said Duncan, “target the traffickers, remove the weapons from the street and send the message that ‘if you traffic drugs in London, we will stop you.'”