Drug Bust In Stratford

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Saturday, 20 June 2020 13:16

Police seized over 86 grams of fentanyl, two grams of methamphetamine; and 150mL of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) after conducting a search warrant at a home in Stratford on June 18th.

STRATFORD - Stratford Police seized a large quantity of fentanyl after conducting a search warrant at home on Ontario Street.

The Stratford Police Service Street Crime Unit finished an investigation into the trafficking of illegal substances at the home on June 18th just before 5:00 pm.

They seized over 86 grams of fentanyl; nearly two grams of methamphetamine; and 150mL of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB). The fentanyl had a street value of $25,800, while the methamphetamine and GHB was valued at $190.00and $150.00 respectively.

Officers also seized over $6,500 in cash, as well as several canisters of bear spray.

Three individuals have been arrested including a 47- year-old man and a 37-year-old woman from Stratford and a 49-year-old woman of Kitchener.

The 47-year-old man and the 37-year-old woman were charged with several counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The 49-year-old Kitchener woman was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The 47-year-old man and the 49-year-old woman were held in custody for a bail hearing, while the 37- year-old woman was released on an undertaking with a court date of September 21, 2020.

Police say a fentanyl seizure of this magnitude will protect many Stratford residents from a potential overdose. Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful opioid, and has been the leading cause of the opioid deaths across Canada over the last several years.

The opioid crisis has impacted Stratford and the area and the Stratford Police have been to 28 accidental overdose calls, many of which can be related to opioid use, Trauma is not only caused to the victim, but to their families, friends, and loved ones, who have also been directly affected by the tragedies related to opioid use.

Fentanyl is highly addictive and extremely strong drug, consuming even a small amount can be potentially lethal. It can be injected, smoked, snorted, ingested, and even absorbed through the skin.

Fentanyl can be between 20 to 40 times more potent than heroine, and is 100 times stronger than morphine, making the risk of accidental overdose very high. It has been known that fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, various designer drugs, and even cannabis.

Stratford Police says anyone using substances should obtain a naloxone (Narcan) kit. Naloxone can save a life by temporarily stopping the effects of opioid drugs.

You can get free naloxone kits from most pharmacies and through Huron Perth Public Health offices in Stratford and Clinton.

You cannot use naloxone on your own, which makes it important to never use substances while by yourself alone. It is also extremely important to call 911 immediately if someone you’re with is experiencing an overdose, even if naloxone has been used. Overdose deaths can be prevented if medical attention is received quickly.

The Stratford Police Service supports Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which provides legal protection for individuals at the scene who seek emergency help during an overdose situation.