LONDON, ONT. -- Eight people in southwestern Ontario were charged Wednesday as part of a joint investigation between Ontario Provincial Police and Woodstock police where officials seized more than $140,000 in illegal drugs and weapons.
The eight suspects are facing a total of 35 various charges. They are from London, Tillsonburg, Courtland and Malahide Township.
"Numerous search warrants were executed earlier this morning by Oxford OPP community street crimes unit and neighbouring detachments in Tillsonburg, Elgin County and the city of Woodstock," Inspector Anthony Hymers, Detachment Commander with the Oxford OPP, said in a video posted to Twitter.
Items seized in the investigation include suspected fentanyl, cocaine, meth, cannabis, prohibited weapons and one vehicle.
*UPDATE* Here's a look at the items seized in today's operation, along with an update on the investigation. @OxfordCounty @ElginCounty @cityofwoodstock @Woodstock_PS #OxfordOPP #Woodstock^dr pic.twitter.com/I09idO8Phd
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) May 12, 2021
In an early morning tweet about 5:50 a.m., OPP West Region told residents to expect police presence at Baldwin Street and Francis Street in Tillsonburg, Fourth Street in Straffordville, College Line in Elgin County, and James Street in Woodstock.
The joint investigation involved numerous police teams.
"We believe as a result of the collaborative effort between the Woodstock police and neighbouring OPP detachments the quantity of narcotics recovered will no doubt lead to lives saved," said Inspector Mike Butler, Detachment Commander with Elgin County OPP, said in the video.
All of the accused will appear in a Woodstock court at a later date.
