Hamilton man charged after police seize drugs worth an estimated $850K

Hamilton police have laid charges after two search warrants at homes in central Hamilton led to the seizure of drugs with a combined estimated street value of around $850,000.

Officers say an investigation began in August into alleged drug trafficking happening in central Hamilton.

Investigators executed two search warrants at residences in downtown Hamilton on Sept. 17, as part of an investigation involving Zijie Zhou, a 22-year-old man from Hamilton.

Detectives say as part of the searches they seized:

• 1.4 kilograms of fentanyl;
• 900 grams of methamphetamine;
• 200 grams of cocaine;
• More than 35,000 prescription pills including oxycodone, hydromorphone, morphine and benzodiazepines;
• An amount of Canadian currency; and
• Two prohibited weapons.

Police say the seized illicit drugs have an estimated street value of around $250,000 and the prescription medications have an estimated street value of approximately $600,000.

Investigators believe that a significant quantity of the prescription medications were initially obtained through legitimate means, before being diverted into the illegal drug trade for non-medical purposes.

Officers say as part of the investigation, Zhou has been charged with several offences including but not limited to possessing schedule I substances, possessing proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and for possession of a prohibited weapon.

Police say Zhou remains in custody.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the on duty staff sergeant at 905-546-4725.

Tips can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by visiting crimestoppershamilton.com.

READ MORE: Hamilton police charge wanted man from Belleville as part of human trafficking investigation