RCMP in Kitchener seize $10 million worth of fentanyl and other drugs

During a week long undercover drug sweep, RCMP in Kitchener say they were able to infiltrate several high level drug trafficking groups supplying fentanyl and other illicit drugs to markets in southwestern Ontario and the GTA.

The Mounties seized 10 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.3 kg of heroin, 1 kg of methamphetamine, 30 kg of marijuana, as well as smaller amounts of carfentanil and cocaine.

RCMP estimate the value of all the drugs seized at $10 million. 

“This is, as far as I know, the largest fentanyl seizure – powder form – in Canada by police, specifically in an undercover operation, to date.” said Staff Sergeant Blair Fuhrman, Detachment Commander for the RCMP in Kitchener.

Officers also rounded up around $400,000 in cash and three vehicles worth approximately $170,000.

11 people, including a Kitchener resident, are now facing charges.

Through the undercover operation, dubbed project OWoodcraft, police also uncovered alleged members of a cocaine importation ring working out of the Toronto Pearson International Airport. 

That led to the arrest of two Sunwing Airlines employees, who work out of that airport.

RCMP are thanking Sunwing for their assistance during the investigation, adding their cooperation was instrumental in bringing project OWoodcraft to a successful conclusion.

“The safety and security of both our employees and our customers remains our main priority and we have offered our full cooperation to the RCMP to ensure that this matter was brought to a successful conclusion. Given that the investigation is ongoing, we are not in a position to make additional comments at this time.” Sunwing said in an emailed statement to 570 NEWS.

Over four days this week, police also conducted raids in Kitchener, Brantford, Hamilton and Durham.

“I want to assure you that there was no threat to public safety, as every possible measure was taken to mitigate potential threats at the time of the arrests.” added Chief Superintendent Michael LeSage, Criminal Operations Officer with RCMP's O Division.

The following people have been charged:

Andrej Marek Krawczyk (40) of Kitchener, 
1 Count – Attempt to Import a controlled substance to wit: Cocaine, contrary to the CDSA, 
1 count trafficking a controlled substance to wit: Cocaine (1kg), contrary to the CDSA, 
Possession of proceeds of crime, contrary to the CCC. 
Conspiracy to import cocaine contrary to the CCC.

Derrick Isreal Shand (42) of Hamilton, 
5 Counts – Trafficking in a controlled substance, contrary to the Controlled Drug Substances Act (CDSA) to wit: Heroin (1/2kg, 1/2kg, 305g) Fentanyl (1g) Methamphetamine (1kg) 
Possession of proceeds of crime, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC).

Verlon Winston Peters (36) of Etobicoke,
3 Counts – Trafficking in a controlled substance, contrary to the CDSA to wit: Fentanyl (1g, 1kg, 1kg) 
Possession of proceeds of crime, contrary to the CCC. 

Tim Adam Lodge (39) of Brantford, 
6 Counts – Trafficking in a controlled substance, contrary to the CDSA to wit: Cocaine (2 oz), Fentanyl (1oz, 7oz, 1kg, 1kg, 1kg, 4kg), Carfentanil (2oz) 
1 Count Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl 1kg) 
Possession of proceeds of crime, contrary to the CCC.

Brittany Michelle Crozier (22) of Hamilton, 
4 Counts – Trafficking in a controlled substance, contrary to the CDSA to wit: Fentanyl (9oz, 1kg, 1kg, 4kg) 
Possession of proceeds of crime, contrary to the CCC.

Courtenay Elizabeth Doolittle (22) of Hamilton, 
1 Count – Trafficking in a controlled substance, contrary to the CDSA to wit: Fentanyl (1kg) 
Possession of proceeds of crime, contrary to the CCC.

Gianni Ballestrin (46) of Mississauga, 
1 Count – Attempt to Import a controlled substance to wit: Cocaine, contrary to the CDSA, 
1 Count trafficking in a controlled substance to wit: Cocaine (1kg), contrary to the CDSA. 
Conspiracy to import cocaine contrary to the CCC.

Clint McInnis (49) of Ajax
1 Count – Trafficking in a controlled substance to wit: Heroin (305 g), contrary to the CDSA.

Jameal McInnis (20) of Ajax 
1 Count – Trafficking in a controlled substance to wit: Heroin (305 g), contrary to the CDSA. 
1 Count – Dangerous Driving, contrary to the CCC. 
1Count – Mischief over $5000, contrary to the CCC.

Michael Brutto (29) of Toronto
1 Count – Possession of Proceeds of Crime, contrary to the CCC. 
1 Count – Distribution of Cannabis, contrary to the Cannabis Act

Jehan Carvalho (33) of Toronto
1 Count – Possession of Proceeds of Crime, contrary to the CCC. 
1 Count – Distribution of Cannabis, contrary to the Cannabis Act