9 people charged following probe of eastern Ontario drug ring

OPP display illegal drugs and other evidence from Operation Adelaide

OTTAWA -- Five Ontario residents and four from Quebec face numerous charges following an 11-month investigation into drugs and organized crime in eastern Ontario.

Ontario Provincial Police say Project Adelaide began in response to complaints from people in small eastern Ontario communities and also involved Quebec's provincial police.

The OPP says its Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau began last November to gather evidence against a ring they say was involved in distributing cocaine, as well as intimidation, extortion and loan sharking.

Police say the drug ring used a "just in time" delivery model similar to many modern manufacturers and big box retailers.

Investigators explain that cocaine was sent from Montreal to Mont-Tremblant, Que., to be re-packaged for distribution to local traffickers in several eastern Ontario communities, including Ottawa, Carleton Place, Perth, Stittsville, Lombardy and Smiths Falls.

Police executed 25 search warrants Wednesday in Ontario and Quebec, seizing 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of hashish, seven vehicles, one handgun and more than $400,000 in cash.

Investigators say they will also be seizing a Robinson R44 helicopter.

Facing multiple charges including conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, participating in a criminal organization and trafficking cocaine are David John Mayne Bullen, 45, of Lombardy, Ont., Michel Cote, 54, of Amherst, Que., Viorel Gheorghevici, 44, of Ottawa, Jordan McGregor, 24, of Ottawa, Charles Ethier, 47, of Amherst, Que., Ross McCoy, 45, of Stittsville, Ont., Richard Perron, 43, of L'Assomption, Que., Michel Pedneault, 50, of Blainville, Que., and Ryan Jones, 44, of Smith Falls, Ont.

Provincial police say they are continuing to investigate these offences, as well as a $1.2-million mortgage fraud and high level money laundering through shell companies of approximately $10 million.

OPP Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod says the illegal drug trade can seriously affect community safety and lead to a wide variety of violent acts and property crimes.

"Project Adelaide sends a clear and strong message that police -- working together -- will do everything in their power to safeguard communities," he said.