OPP DRUG ENFORCEMENT YEAR IN REVIEW

ORILLIA

The OPP's various drug enforcement initiatives in 2008 removed over
$264-million worth of drugs from circulation and resulted in 4,700
charges being laid against 2,400 people.

OPP Drug Enforcement Section officers work on a variety of
investigative capacities including undercover operations, clandestine
lab investigations, and major case investigation. Using the
principles of intelligence-led policing, the OPP's Organized Crime
Enforcement Bureau work collaboratively with OPP Field Operations and
Highway Safety Division, as well as municipal and other law
enforcement partners to combat the illegal drug trade.

"Illicit drugs continue to be a scourge in society and an ongoing
threat to the safety of Ontario residents and their communities,"
said Commissioner Julian Fantino. "Our members, and those of our
municipal partners, continue to put themselves at risk to bring those
associated with this type of organized crime to justice."

With marijuana production being a multi-billion dollar business in
North America, there are groups that will go to any extremes to
protect their venture. There are also groups known as "pot pirates"
who will steal marihuana grows, which makes the situation even more
dangerous for the public and law enforcement agencies.

"The Ontario Provincial Police remains strongly committed to work
within all of our communities across the province to stem the tide of
illicit drugs, said Inspector Bryan Martin, Program Manager, OPP Drug
Enforcement Section. "The statistics and highlights are a testament
to the hard work and dedication of all OPP members involved in this
ongoing battle."

The OPP Drug Enforcement Section has 15 deployed units located
strategically across Ontario.

BACKGROUNDER

2008 By the Numbers

Number of Persons Charged: 2404 Charges Laid by OPP DES: 4702

Search Warrants Executed: 766 Total Value of Drugs Seized: $264.1-million

Total Weapons Seized: 475 Marihuana Grow Ops Investigated & Dismantled: 499

Total Marihuana Plants Seized: 211,919

2008 Drug Enforcement Program Highlights:

The OPP Drug Enforcement Section (DES) led a joint force
investigation with Belleville Police Service in the Quinte West area
targeting a violent organized crime group involved in the trafficking
of illicit drugs within those communities. In August of 2008, police
arrested and charged 30 persons with 217 drug and criminal related charges.

In July 2008, the OPP Drug Enforcement Unit based in Kenora concluded
a six-month investigation into the cocaine supply in Kenora. This
investigation, dubbed Project: Take Back the Neighbourhood, concluded
with the seizure of 18 ounces of cocaine from three involved Kenora
residents. More than $35,000 cash was also seized from this group
during the investigation.

In September 2008, the OPP Drug Enforcement Unit based in
Peterborough investigated a large-scale outdoor grow operations in
the Apsley area. The grow-op was guarded by 2 pit bulls and a male
who was armed with two, 12-gauge shot guns.

In August of 2008, the Drug Enforcement Unit based in Mount Forest
concluded a six-month Joint Forces Operation with the Owen Sound
Police Service. As a result of this investigation, 6 Search Warrants
were executed, 11 persons were arrested, 45 charges were laid and 9
of the 11 accused are charged with Criminal Organization Offences. In
addition, marihuana, nine ounces of cocaine, and two vehicles were
seized. The OPP Assets Forfeiture Unit is presently examining one
associated residence with respect to Forfeiture and/or Seizure. This
matter remains before the courts.

The OPP Clandestine Lab Initial Response Team is a 45-person unit
coordinated out of the Drug Enforcement Program. In 2008, the Lab
team responded to 11 synthetic-based clandestine drug labs across
Ontario, including two, large-scale illicit drug labs in Kingston and
Mississauga in April 2008.

In summer and fall 2008, the OPP Drug Enforcement Section carried out
its annual Marihuana Eradication Program. During an eight-week span,
officers seized and destroyed 108,161 marihuana plants in various
areas of the province.