Police briefs: Multiple drug busts in Arnprior, Many guns in Gatineau, Gun found in Centrepoint collision

ARNPRIOR – Two people are facing drug and criminal charges after Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) seized suspected cocaine from a residence in Arnprior.

“As part of a drug trafficking investigation, the OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and members of the Renfrew County OPP attended a residence on Madawaska Street on Feb. 20,” OPP media relations coordinator Bill Dickson released in a statement today (Feb. 28). “Two people were arrested and officers seized nearly two grams of suspected cocaine and items typically associated with drug trafficking, including scales and packaging materials.”

Christopher Rose, 52 of Arnprior, has been charged with:

• Uttering threats to cause death
• Resist a peace officer
• Trafficking a Schedule 1 substance – cocaine
• Blair Foster, 47 of Arnprior, has been charged with:
• Trafficking a Schedule 1 substance – cocaine
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on April 3.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or report online through ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

OPP seize multiple drugs in Arnprior bust

ARNPRIOR – Two people face charges after a search warrant in Arnprior resulted in the seizure of suspected fentanyl and cocaine, methamphetamine and psilocybin.

“The OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit, assisted by members of the Arnprior office of the Renfrew Detachment, executed a search warrant Feb. 9, at an apartment on Burwash Street,” Dickson released in a statement today (Feb. 28). “In addition to the illegal drugs officers also located items typically associated with drug trafficking, including digital scales, packaging material and multiple cell phones.”

Christopher Tremblay, 34, and Jessica Herrick, 37, both residents of Arnprior are each charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – three counts
• Possession of a Schedule 3 substance for the purpose of trafficking – two counts
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Herrick has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on March 20.

Tremblay remains in custody with a bail hearing scheduled for March 1, before the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke.

 Downtown hate-motivated assault

DOWNTOWN — The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Hate and Bias Crime Unit is seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an assault incident in the area of Laurier Avenue W and Bay Street on Feb. 5. 

Between 8:30 and 9 a.m., the victim was assaulted as she was walking down the street,” the OPS released in a statement today (Feb. 28). “The male suspect uttered a racial slur during the incident.”

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 50-years-old, heavy set and balding. At the time of the incident, he was seen wearing a dark blue winter coat with a white shirt underneath, blue jeans and glasses. He may also have been carrying a suitcase.

Anyone with information as to the identity of this individual, or information about this incident, is asked to contact the OPS Hate and Bias Crime Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5015. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

Firearm recovered at scene of Centrepoint collision

CENTREPOINT – The OPS West Criminal Investigations Section has charged a man following a collision where a firearm was recovered on Feb. 27.

“At approximately 1:15 a.m., frontline patrol officers responded to a single vehicle collision at the intersection of Baseline and Cobden Roads,” the OPS released in a statement today (Feb. 28). “The driver was seen attempting to flee on foot and witnesses contacted police. A firearm was located and seized by responding officers.”

Jeremie Youen, 18 of Ottawa, is charged with:

• Dangerous Operation
• Possess weapon/Dangerous to public peace
• Carry concealed weapon
• Unauthorized Possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon
• Possess prohibited ammunition
• Possess loaded regulated firearm
• Possess a firearm prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime
• Unlawfully possess schedule I substance

He appeared in court yesterday (Feb. 27) and remains in custody.

Canada Border Services finds huge cache of guns in Gatineau

GATINEAU – Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) investigators alongside Gatineau police seized nearly 100 weapons from a residence Gatineau, QC.

Police say the investigation began in November 2023 after the CBSA intercepted a silencer in a courier package at Toronto Pearson Airport. Investigators say they traced the package to a Gatineau resident who previously had prohibited weapons seized from him.

Police say on Feb. 6 they executed a search warrant at a residence in the Versant District and found:

• 61 firearms;
• 13 prohibited weapons;
• 22 air guns;
• 12 prohibited devices: 6 silencers and 6 high-capacity magazines;
• Ammunition;
• Shipping documents and packaging for silencers; and
• 5 electronic devices.

Police arrested a 62-year-old Gatineau man but have yet to charge him.

He was released pending the completion of the investigation when charges will be recommended to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada once the investigation is complete.

“This search once again demonstrates the Canada Border Services Agency’s efforts to control imports of prohibited weapons and devices,” CBSA Quebec regional director general Annie Beauséjour said. “We are working with police forces to combat gun smuggling and trafficking in Canada and Quebec and protect our communities.”