Hamilton police charge 12 people in illegal drug investigation

Twelve people have been charged in connection with an illegal drug investigation led by Hamilton Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Toronto Police Service and other law enforcement agencies.

Police began their search in 2021 after they found a secret laboratory at a residence in Hamilton Mountain during an overdose death investigation.

Officers suspected a link between this death and two previous overdose deaths which all happened within days of each other.

Investigators identified a company in the United States by tracing the origins of the lab equipment.

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This business sold three items of laboratory equipment to a company in Oshawa. From here, investigators were able to piece together an extended drug network.

Police searched properties in Hamilton, Mount Albert, Smithville, Toronto, Whitchurch-Stouffville, and Vaughan.

Officers found two fentanyl drug labs located in Smithville and Stouffville. They say the lab in Smithville was operational while the lab in Stouffville had been dismantled.

Investigators also found various quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, ketamine, the lab equipment used to make these drugs and loaded weapons.

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Officers also seized over $350,000 of cars, jewelry, furniture and cash.

City of Hamilton declared a state of emergency related to homelessness, opioid addiction and mental health earlier this year.

Officers say their investigation has significantly impacted public safety and harm reduction.

Police are asking anyone with information about this case to contact them at 905-546-6340.