Several residents from Manitoulin Island and southern Ontario, are facing charges after the conclusion of a significant drug trafficking investigation.
According to the release, Project HEWSON started in April 2021 in response to the State of Emergency declared by the M’Chigeeng First Nation in relation to opioids, community safety, mental health and violence.
The OPP, northeastern crime units worked with the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police Service on the initiative.
Between January 24th and 26th, five search warrants were executed on Manitoulin Island and in the City of Sudbury with suspected drugs of different kinds, cash and handguns seized.
Twelve people have been charged with 104 offences.
Several of the accused were held in custody upon arrest and are expected to appear in Gore Bay and Sudbury over the coming months.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are likely.
