Sudbury police arrest suspected GTA drug dealer, seize cocaine

Greater Sudbury Police Service headquarters on Brady Street. January 2021. (File photo/CTV Northern Ontario)

A suspected drug dealer from the Greater Toronto area has been charged by Sudbury police after searching four local homes and seizing nearly $20,000 in suspected cocaine.

The 39-year-old man was arrested Feb. 17 by Sudbury detectives with the help of the emergency response unit and provincial guns and gangs enforcement team.

"During the arrest and subsequent searches, detectives seized approximately 194 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $19,400 and approximately $6,000 in Canadian currency," Sudbury police said in a news release Friday.

The accused is charged with drug trafficking and having property obtained by crime.

He appeared in court Saturday and was released from custody.

"The GSPS drug enforcement unit of the integrated crime section remains committed to working collaboratively with our policing and community partners focusing its efforts on major crime operations that pose a direct and elevated threat to the safety, security and wellness of our community," police said.

"The integrated crime section aims to identify and disrupt organized crime in Greater Sudbury through innovative technology, collaborative partnerships and traditional police work resulting in the arrest of those involved, holding them accountable for their criminal activities and the seizure of illegal drugs, prohibited firearms and proceeds of crime."

Sudbury police refused to disclose where in the city the four homes that were searched are located.

"We are not releasing any additional information at this time," Sudbury police spokesperson Sarah Kaelas told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in an email.