Over $2.4 million in cocaine seized, Kitchener man among those charged (3 photos)
Posted Apr 3, 2019 04:28:00 PM.
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A Kitchener man is one of three facing charges following an intercontinental drug investigation by Ontario Provincial Police.
Through “Project Tattler”, police say they prevented over 55 kilograms of near-pure cocaine from entering the criminal drug supply.
They estimate the value of the drugs at $2.45 million, but the estimated minimum street value once cut is $5.5-million. In total, they seized 55 kilogram 'bricks' of cocaine.
Police also seized $800,000 in Canadian currency. As well, a pick-up truck, tractor trailer and three off-road vehicles – worth over $250,000 – were hauled away as proceeds of crime and offence-related property.
OPP launched their investigation in December 2017.
They allege the cocaine was being smuggled into Canada from California, then distributed throughout central and western Ontario, as well as the GTA. Police also say they could link money flowing back to Mexico.
Slobodan Poznic, 44, of Kitchener, is facing a slew of charges, including possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, as well as importing cocaine.
The other men facing charges are: Michael Nagtzaam, 35, of Springwater Township and Abrahan Brito, 32, of New Tecumseth.
“The OPP recognize that illegal drugs threaten community safety and inflict harm in our communities. With the amount of cocaine seized during Project TATTLER, we have again stopped criminals from causing more harm while removing potential profits from the criminal economy that fuel lavish criminal lifestyles.” said Deputy Commissioner Rick Barnum, Provincial Commander, OPP Investigations and Organized Crime.
“The Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau in collaboration with partner agencies will continue to aggressively pursue, disrupt and dismantle organizations involved in proliferating illegal commodities.” he added.
