Six people have been charged and a large quantity of dangerous drugs seized in a bust that police say could be linked to recent overdoses and overdose-related deaths, in the Pembroke area.
Police say that multiple types of drugs were found and seized when the OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), members of the Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment, the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine Unit executed search warrants March 13, at two apartments on Moffat Street.
“Six people were arrested, and officers seized over 50-grams of suspected cocaine, as well as suspected fentanyl, nearly 10-grams of MDMA and methamphetamine pills,” reads an OPP press release. “Officers also seized items associated with drug trafficking including scales, packaging material and replica firearms/pellet guns.
- Ben Lush, 39, of Petawawa is charged with: possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking; and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000.
- Ian Arsenault, 41, of Pembroke, and Emma Jenkins, 19, of Petawawa were charged with two counts each of possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking. Arsenault is additionally charged with failing to comply with a probation order.
- Also each charged with one count of possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking are Teressa Hammill, 23, of Pembroke; Roseanne Sylvester, 40, of Pembroke and Blake Tysick, 57, of Pembroke.
Tysick and Sylvester were released with a scheduled appearance for the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on April 9. The other accused are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing today (March 14).
None of the charges have been proven in court.
Upper Ottawa Valley OPP, emergency services partners, City of Pembroke and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit are working collaboratively to ensure prevention, education and support for those impacted by drug use, with a particular focus on outreach to the at-risk population.
If you have any information about drug trafficking call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want 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.
(Sherry Haaima)
