Single weekend sees 15 drug-related arrests for Guelph Police
Posted Oct 21, 2025 07:06:28 AM.
Last Updated Oct 21, 2025 10:29:48 AM.
Guelph police made more than a dozen arrests over a single weekend in relation to drugs, something the force says is keeping the heart of the downtown core safe.
Those arrests were made through Guelph Police’s Downtown Public Safety Initiative, with campaigns focused on illegal, open drug use in the city’s core.
“Our members continue their important work conducting proactive patrols and responding to concerns raised by our citizens,” said Guelph Police Chief Gord Cobey.
The arrest related to trafficking fentanyl occurred when officers observed an active drug deal in progress behind a social service agency in the city.
While police state that they’re working to reduce the overall presence of drug use in those common shared areas of the city, they also said they acknowledged the struggles members of the community have endured when it comes to overall drug dependency.
Police arrested 15 individuals in total over the course of the weekend, including:
- Nine arrested for possessing controlled substances
- One arrested for trafficking fentanyl
- Five arrested on criminal charges, including possession of stolen property and breaching court orders
Those nine arrests related to drug possession had their drugs seized, but no charges were laid by police. Instead, officers followed a “health-first approach,” offering information on available community supports.
“We are deeply committed to working with our community partners to assist in providing support to those in need,” Cobey mentioned. “We are equally committed to ensuring that our shared public spaces remain safe and welcoming for all.”
He stated that open drug use and public safety issues have continued to persist in the city, with efforts such as its Downtown Public Safety Initiative working to curb some of those ongoing concerns in Guelph.
“Criminal activity, including illegal drug use, will not be permitted or normalized in our downtown,” Cobey said. “We encourage our citizens to call us anytime they witness illegal activity or need our assistance.”
