Ontario Provincial Police have announced their largest-ever fentanyl seizure following a bust in Windsor. The authorities recovered 46 kilograms of fentanyl in late September through search warrants executed at various locations and vehicles in the southwestern border city of Ontario. According to police, the seized fentanyl quantity was sufficient for about 460,000 street-level doses, posing a significant threat to the community.
Two individuals have been charged in connection with the seizure. A 25-year-old man from Windsor and a 29-year-old man from Vancouver are facing multiple drug-related charges and are scheduled to appear in court on December 8 in Windsor.
The investigation, which commenced in the fall of 2024, targeted two key members of a drug trafficking network with affiliations to criminal organizations. A joint effort involving Ontario Provincial Police and Windsor police units led to the seizure of cocaine, heroin, firearms, cash, cellphones, jewelry, and other illicit substances during the raids. The total value of the confiscated drugs is estimated at $6.5 million.
Authorities continue to probe the origins of the fentanyl, emphasizing the drug’s national enforcement priority due to its lethal nature. OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique highlighted the collaborative efforts being made to prevent the influx of this dangerous substance into communities.
Windsor’s deputy police chief, Jason Crowley, emphasized the significant impact of removing such a large quantity of fentanyl from the streets, asserting that it will save lives and underscore the effectiveness of strong partnerships at local and provincial levels.
Community activist Lisa Valente, the founder of the Windsor women’s addiction recovery group House of Hope, praised the fentanyl seizure as a positive development in light of the community’s urgent situation. She noted the potential impact of reduced drug availability on users, urging individuals to seek help and treatment in light of the current circumstances.