$1.3 Million Drug Bust Crime Does Pay
Source: Waterloo Regional Police ServiceDate: Sat Apr 18 10:01:21 MST 2026
Location: Waterloo Region
Occurrence #: WA25121295
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), in partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), has concluded Project Deception Lake, a multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking and exporting investigation.
On January 12, 2026, SSMPS officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 East following information received from WRPS that a driver was transporting controlled substances to Sault Ste. Marie.
During the investigation, officers searched the vehicle and located a large quantity of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, which was subsequently seized. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $142,338.
The driver, a 23-year-old Kitchener male, was arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and was held for a bail hearing.
On January 15, 2026, SSMPS officers completed a search warrant at a residence on Wellington Street East in Sault Ste. Marie.
Officers located and seized a large quantity of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is over $700,000.
The same 23-year-old Kitchener male was charged with three additional counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
This accused has also been charged by WRPS with exporting methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of exporting, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of a prohibited firearm.
Police allege that the accused used parcel mail to ship methamphetamine to Australia, which was intercepted by the Canada Border Services Agency.
On January 13, 2026, and February 20, 2026, WRPS completed search warrants at residences on Blackburn Street in Cambridge, Knights Lane in Woodstock, and Hollybrook Crescent and West Oak Trail in Kitchener.
Investigators seized a large quantity of suspected cocaine, psilocybin, cannabis, hashish, heroin, and MDMA pills. Officers also located and seized more than $130,000 in Canadian currency, luxury jewellery and bags, precious metal bars, cell phones, three vehicles, a bulletproof vest, and a prohibited firearm with ammunition.
A 40-year-old male, a 30-year-old male, and a 30-year-old female, all from Waterloo Region, have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and other offences.
A 28-year-old Woodstock male has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.
On March 11, 2026, OPP officers arrested a 47-year-old Orangeville male on an outstanding warrant in connection with this investigation. He faces several charges, including five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Officers seized $549,500 in Canadian currency and precious metal bars.
Project Deception Lake was led by the Waterloo Regional Police Service and supported by Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, York Regional Police, Woodstock Police Service, and Canada Border Services Agency.
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COBOURG (April 23, 2026) Cobourg Police Service is reminding the public to be aware of fraud involving gift cards and impersonation on social media platforms, following a recent incident in which a resident was targeted through an online group. In the most recent scam, a 71-year-old woman reported being contacted on social media by an individual claiming to be associated with a television show after she commented on a fan page for the program. The scammer offered a VIP membership in exchange for payment through gift card codes. The victim was defrauded out of $1,200. The victim was later contacted again and advised she could attend the TV set if she deposited the cheque, they sent into her bank account and forwarded the funds. When she attended her financial institution, bank staff recognized the signs of a scam and intervened. The victim had no verifiable contact information for the individual, and all communication occurred exclusively through social media. Cobourg Police Service is reminding residents that legitimate organizations and businesses will never request payment in gift cards, nor will they ask individuals to deposit cheques on their behalf. Be cautious of unsolicited messages on social media, even if they appear to come from well-known individuals, celebrities, or organizations Scammers commonly use gift cards or cryptocurrency because they are difficult to trace and cannot be recovered Never send money, gift card codes, or cryptocurrency to someone you have only interacted with online Do not deposit cheques or forward funds at the request of someone else If an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is Talk to a trusted family member, friend, or financial institution before sending money Fraudsters rely on pressure and secrecy. Police encourage residents to slow down, ask questions, and report suspicious activity. Anyone who believes they may be the target of a scam, or who has received suspicious online communications, is encouraged to contact Cobourg Police Service or report the incident to the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre at 1‑888‑495‑8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
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