A major drug investigation that involved the execution of search warrants in Ottawa and Prince Edward County has resulted in the seizure of 47 kilograms of cocaine and the arrests of three people.
In September, the OPP-led Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Drug Unit and Brockville Police Service (BPS) Intelligence Unit began Project MIDFIELD to address drug trafficking activity in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, with a nexus to the Greater Toronto Area.
On November 27, four search warrants were carried out at residences and vehicles in Milford and Ottawa by members from the OPP-led BEU, OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, OPP Emergency Response Team, OPS Drug Unit, OPS Neighbourhood Resource Team and OPS Tactical Unit.
As a result, the following items were seized:
One firearm
Five magazines with ammunition
Body armour
47 kilograms of suspected cocaine
250 grams of suspected psilocybin
Over 100 pounds of illicit cannabis
Five cell phones
A money counter
Indicia of drug trafficking, including packaging and a digital scale
$6,810 in Canadian currency
Two vehicles as offence-related property
The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $6 million.
A combined total of 39 charges were laid against three individuals.
Dylan Graham, age 37 of Ottawa and Kaylee Diotte, age 22 of Milford have each been charged with the following 18 offences:
Possession of proceeds of crime over $ 5,000
Careless storage of a firearm
Storage of a firearm in contravention of regulations
Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
Possession of prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized – four counts
Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
Possession of weapon obtained by commission of offence – five counts
Possession for the purposes of trafficking – cocaine
Possession for the purpose of trafficking – psilocybin
Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing
Emma Durkan, age 25 of Ottawa, has been charged with the following three offences:
Possession for the purposes of trafficking – cocaine
Possession for the purpose of trafficking – psilocybin
Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing
Two of the accused were remanded into custody upon arrest, and one was released. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.
“The quantity of cocaine seized in this investigation will have significant impact on local drug trafficking networks. The OPP will continue to work on joint forces initiatives with our partner agencies to remove illegal drugs from our communities.” – OPP Acting Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
“To keep Ontario communities safe from those who seek to cause harm for profit, it’s crucial that services collaborate – something clearly demonstrated by the success of Project Midfield.” – OPS Superintendent Jamie Dunlop, Serious and Organized Crime
“Through the dedication and collaboration of our team and policing partners, we are proud to announce the successful conclusion of this joint operation, which resulted in a significant seizure of illegal drugs, the arrest of two individuals, and the removal of a dangerous firearm from our community. This achievement underscores the power of partnerships and our shared commitment to keeping our neighbourhoods safe.” – BPS Deputy Chief Andrew Harvie
