Sarnia police are left with questions and concerns following a major drug bust where officers seized thousands of dollars worth of fentanyl pressed into cartoon moulds.
Members of the Vice Unit investigated the alleged trafficking of cocaine, fentanyl, and crystal methamphetamine during the months of September and October.
Two residences, in the 200 block of Devine Street and the 100 block of Martin Street, were searched on October 12 as part of the investigation.
Vice officers found a substantial amount of fentanyl that was pressed into moulds -- something they hadn't seen before.
"It is uncertain at this time why the fentanyl has been moulded into these shapes. Various reasons do come to mind such as marketing the substance, creating an ID for the brand, or to disguise the substance as something less dangerous," read a media release from the Sarnia Police Service. "Disguising fentanyl as something innocuous, such as cartoon characters, creates safety concerns if the fentanyl is mistaken for something less deadly or if in the hands of children it may be mistaken for candy."
Officers seized fentanyl pressed into moulds from both Sarnia residences valued at $8,272 dollars.
At the Martin Street location, police also seized $24,708 worth of crystal methamphetamine, $3,417 worth of fresh cannabis, $1,000 worth of cannabis-infused edibles, and $510 in Canadian currency.
At the Devine Street location, police also seized $6,887 worth of crystal methamphetamine, $1,350 worth of Dilaudid eight milligram hydromorphone pills, $155 worth of Tec Codeine pills and $585 in Canadian currency.
Drugs and currency seized during trafficking investigation. October 2022. (Photo courtesy of Sarnia Police Service)
The total street value of drugs and currency seized was $73,885.
As a result of the investigation, 41-year-old Ian Jackson of Sarnia was charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Jason Lawrence Low, 36, of Sarnia was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and one count of possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling.
Both Jackson and Low were held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Two other Sarnia residents were arrested in connection with the investigation. A 65-year-old man was charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance and a 58-year-old man was charged with one count of possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling. Both were released from police custody.
Charges against the accused have not been proven in court.