KENORA – CRIME – A significant drug trafficking investigation in Kenora has resulted in the seizure of over $1 million worth of drugs and a firearm, leading to charges against two individuals from outside the province.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) launched an investigation in October 2024 targeting the trafficking of fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, hydromorphone, and cocaine in the Kenora area.
How Dangerous is Fentanyl?
The amount of fentanyl seized in this trafficking bust if it were pure, could result in as many as 481,000 deaths. Imagine the potential this kind of drug could have on Kenora and the surrounding area?
Rough estimate based on common information:
- Lethal Dose: A commonly cited lethal dose of pure fentanyl is around 2 milligrams (0.002 grams).
- Potential Fatalities: In theory, 962 grams of pure fentanyl could contain up to 481,000 fatal doses (962 grams / 0.002 grams per dose = 481,000 doses).
On November 19th, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a Pellatt Township residence rented by one of the accused. The operation involved the OPP OCEB, Kenora OPP Community Street Crime Unit, and Treaty Three Police Street Crime Unit.
Significant Seizure:
Officers seized a substantial quantity of illicit drugs, including:
- Approximately 962 grams of suspected fentanyl
- Approximately 1.2 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine
- Approximately 287 grams of suspected cocaine
- Approximately 968 hydromorphone tablets (8 mg)
- Approximately 3 grams of crack cocaine
In addition to the drugs, police also seized:
- One rifle
- Two digital scales
- Two cellular devices
- $4,060 in Canadian currency
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is a staggering $1,072,000.
Accused Facing Numerous Charges
As a result of the investigation, 25-year-old Dawson CAMERON of Edmonton, Alberta, and 20-year-old Megan DENT of Westbank, British Columbia, are facing a slew of charges, including:
- Possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (hydromorphone, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl)
Both accused were remanded into custody and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on November 21st, 2024.
OPP Urges Public to Report Drug and Firearm Activity
The OPP is urging anyone with information about the possession, manufacturing, or trafficking of illegal drugs or firearms to contact them at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
