OPP charge 33 people following two-year drug investigation

CTV London: More than 30 charged by OPP A major drug investigation into drug trafficking rings by several detachments leads to almost 200 charges. Sean Irvine reports.

OPP have charged 33 people with close to 200 offences after a large investigation into illegal drug trafficking rings.

Representatives of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) West Region and the OPP detachments in Huron County, Lambton County and Perth County were also involved in what was dubbed Project PINECREEK.

There were 11 raids in communities throughout Southwestern Ontario and guns, drugs and vehicles were seized.

Project PINECREEK was initiated in 2012 to gather evidence of illegal drug trafficking. It escalated in July and unveiled large quantities of meth and cocaine being distributed in Huron, Lambton and Perth  Counties.

"Police leaders long ago identified the serious impact illegal drug trafficking and abuse have on community safety and wellbeing, leading to associated violent acts and property crimes," says OPP Dep.-Commissioner Scott Tod.

Those arrested range in age from youths to a man in his 60s. Charges largely relate to trafficking and possession.

The arrest sheet is long and the amount of drugs seized significant, but is it enough to impact illegal drug manufacturers, dealers and street level users?

Police say it will hurt all levels in the three counties hit, but they are also realistic.

"To say exactly, how much is out there, we really have no idea,” says Det.-Insp. Steve Clegg.

See the link for more information about Project PINECREEK, including a list of those charged.