Ottawa police seize gun, drugs following investigation into alleged apartment takeover

A police vehicle sits outside the Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

A 25-year-old woman has been charged following an investigation into an alleged apartment takeover inside an Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) building, police say.

The Ottawa Police Service says the East Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) received calls from community members reporting concerns of a possible break-and-enter into an apartment in the 2000 to 2100 block of Russell Road, south of St. Laurent Boulevard, on March 25.

That was when officers conducted a walkthrough and found a “personal lock on the door and damage around the doorknob of a unit” inside the building.

“A door knock led to the discovery of a 25-year-old woman who had previously trespassed in the area,” police said in a news release Thursday.

Police said a shotgun was found inside, prompting a full search of the apartment, leading to the seizure of ammunition and quantities of drugs suspected to be crystal meth, fentanyl, a fentanyl mix and methylphenidate pills.

“We can confirm that the female was not a resident of the apartment and trespassed,” police told CTV News in an email.

She was arrested and charged with trespassing.

The investigation into this incident continues.

Ottawa Community Housing says it is working with police and takes the safety of tenants seriously.

“While we cannot share specific details due to the ongoing investigation by Ottawa Police Service and privacy protocols, OCH responded immediately, deploying our team to support our partners," OCH said in an email.

“We continue to work closely with Ottawa Police Service to assist as needed while respecting the integrity of their investigation.”

Anyone who sees a suspicious activity in their building or neighbourhood is asked to call police at 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.