Drugs, cash seized in multiple Algoma area raids

Police executed four warrants across Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding district, seizing cash, drugs, ammunition, brass knuckles and vehicles. (Supplied/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)

A joint police operation across the Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding district has resulted in the seizure of suspected cocaine, cash, weapons and vehicles, with three men taken into custody now facing multiple charges.

Detectives from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service’s Crime Suppression Unit and Drug Enforcement Unit, with assistance from other local teams and Ontario Provincial Police units, executed four search warrants on July 8.

The warrants were carried out at addresses in the 0-100 block of Lake Street in Echo Bay, the 9000 block of Highway 17 in Bruce Mines, and the 600 block of MacDonald Avenue and the 900 block of Second Line West in Sault Ste. Marie.

Police said the raids followed a joint investigation into the trafficking of controlled substances and money laundering in the region.

Searches yield ammo, drugs, weapons

During the searches, officers located and seized 288 grams of suspected cocaine, several rounds of ammunition, brass knuckles, two vehicles and $44,805 in cash.

“The estimated street value of drugs seized is approximately $28,800,” police said in a new release.

3 charged

As a result of the search warrants, three men were charged.

A 30-year-old man from Echo Bay is charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, laundering proceeds of crime and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

Additionally, a 28-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie is charged with possession of property obtained by crime and laundering proceeds of crime, while a 25-year-old man also from Sault Ste. Marie is charged with drug trafficking, possession of prohibited ammunition and possession of property obtained by crime.

All three accused were held in custody pending bail hearings.