Sault police involved in $844K drug bust, $679K in cash seized

Project Deception Lake, a joint drug operation between Sault Ste. Marie and Waterloo police, seized about $1.4 million in cash and drugs.

Police in Sault Ste. Marie, working with the Ontario Provincial Police and Waterloo Regional Police, arrested multiple people, including a man they believe was exporting meth to Australia through shipments in the mail.

Dubbed ‘Project Deception Lake,’ the combined operations led to the seizure of more than $679,000 in cash, and drugs believed to be cocaine, fentanyl and meth with a street value of $844,000, weapons and drug paraphernalia.

The first arrest took place Jan. 12 when Sault police stopped a vehicle on Highway 17 East following a tip from Waterloo police that the driver was taking drugs to the Sault.

“During the investigation, officers searched the vehicle and located a large quantity of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, which was subsequently seized,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

“The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $142,338.”

A 23-year-old man from Kitchener was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and was held for a bail hearing.

Sault police then raided a residence on Wellington Street East on Jan. 15.

“Officers located and seized a large quantity of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia,” police said.

“The estimated street value of the seized drugs is over $700,000.”

The same suspect was arrested again and charged with more counts of drug trafficking. He was also charged by Waterloo police with exporting methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of exporting, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of a prohibited firearm.

“Police allege that the accused used parcel mail to ship methamphetamine to Australia, which was intercepted by the Canada Border Services Agency,” the release said.

In connection with the same investigation, Waterloo police raided multiple residences Jan. 13 and Feb. 20 on Blackburn Street in Cambridge, Knights Lane in Woodstock and Hollybrook Crescent and West Oak Trail in Kitchener.

Police seized drugs believed to be cocaine, psilocybin, cannabis, hashish, heroin and MDMA pills.

“Officers also located and seized more than $130,000 in Canadian currency, luxury jewelry and bags, precious metal bars, cellphones, three vehicles, a bulletproof vest and a prohibited firearm with ammunition,” police said.

A 40-year-old male, a 30-year-old male, and a 30-year-old female, all from Waterloo Region, were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime and other offences.

A 28-year-old Woodstock male was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

And on March 11, OPP officers arrested a 47-year-old Orangeville male on an outstanding warrant in connection with the same investigation.

“He faces several charges, including five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Officers seized $549,500 in Canadian currency and precious metal bars.”