Three people are facing charges after police seized more than $384,000 worth of drugs and $50,000 in Canadian currency at a Timmins business and residences.
Three search warrants were executed April 17 by the Timmins Police Drug Enforcement Section, in conjunction with the OPP’s Drug Enforcement Unit and Canine Unit.
Timmins Police corporate communications co-ordinator Marc Depatie said the seizure “marks a sizeable dent in the drug trade in the Timmins area.”
“We view this type of drug activity as a direct threat to public safety. These persons, along with any other drug trafficker, takes advantage of those persons who are struggling with addictions issues,” he said.
According to police, at a Third Avenue apartment, 23.9 grams of cocaine with a street value of $2,400, 12 methamphetamine pills with a street value of $60, a set of brass knuckles, cash and paraphernalia were seized.
Executing a search warrant at a Third Avenue "commercial enterprise", police seized 11,471 methamphetamine pills with a street value of $57,355, 362 grams of cocaine with a street value of $36,200, 5,393 grams of marijuana with a street value of $53,930, and $45,000 in cash, as well as drug paraphernalia.
A residence on Walter Lane was also searched. There, police say 46,913 methamphetamine pills with a street value of $234,565, $9,035 in cash, drug paraphernalia and ammunition
The total street value of the drugs seized is $384,510.
“We’re hopeful that this strikes a blow with the persons responsible, it also serves as a general deterrence for other persons who are enticed into the drug trade. This should demonstrate the dark side and the serious consequences that come along with engaging in that type of criminal activity. This is a form of organized crime,” said Depatie.
He said the Timmins Police works with the OPP to make sure the community is as safe as possible.
“As busy as these drug dealers are in the Timmins area, they operate on a 24/7 basis, your police force and in particular the drug enforcement section officers, work on that very same timetable,” he said.
Three people have been charged.
Christopher Croker, 33, of Timmins is charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance, for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of property obtained by crime, and one count of possession of ammunition contrary to a probation order.
Caroline Sabourin, 24, of Timmins is charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of property obtained by crime, and one count of fail to comply with recognizance contrary to prohibition order.
Maurice Servant, 48, of Timmins is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of property obtained by crime, one count of unauthorized possession of a weapon contrary to prohibition order.
Croker and Sabourin were held for bail hearings and released. Both have court dates in May. Servant was released from custody on a promise to appear, which requires him to be in court May 29.
