Police seize drugs and various weapons from tent in downtown Barrie: BPS

Police display evidence seized during a search in downtown Barrie, Ont. on Wed., Sept. 3, 2025.

One person is facing several charges following an investigation in downtown Barrie early Wednesday afternoon.

According to the authorities, officers patrolling the downtown noticed several drug transactions taking place, which resulted in the arrest of four people.

The officers seized what is suspected to be methamphetamine, cocaine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, along with an undisclosed amount of Canadian cash from a tent in an encampment on Mulcaster Street. They also confiscated crossbows, a flare gun, knives and two axes.

• Related | Tents line downtown Barrie sidewalks as homelessness surges

A 28-year old man arrested at the scene is charged with weapons and drug-related offences, plus failing to comply with a probation order. Police say the three other people taken into custody were later released unconditionally.

In June, the service launched an enhanced downtown presence with a mix of constables, special constables, marked cruisers, bikes and a utility terrain vehicle. The special constables make regular rounds through public buildings in the downtown core, including the library, City Hall, Meridian Place and the bus terminal.

Tents popping up in the downtown core expanded rapidly with the closure of an encampment on a large property along Anne, John and Victoria Streets, which was reportedly home to dozens of people.