$9M worth of drugs, $800K in cash seized in Kitchener as part of organized crime investigation

More than $9 million worth of drugs and $800,000 in cash have been seized as part of an organized crime investigation that began in March 2023.

During a press conference Tuesday morning, the Waterloo Regional Police Service displayed some of the seized items on tables.

Insp. Greg Hibbard said items seized included approximately 86 kg of cocaine, 700 g of MDMA and 3 kg of crystal meth, along with $815,000 in cash and seven restricted handguns.

"During the investigation, search warrants were executed to four residents in the city of Kitchener resulting in the items that you see," Hibbard said.

Insp. Greg Hibbard says the 13-month long investigation has resulted in one of the largest drug busts in the Waterloo region's history. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)

A 31-year-old male and a 22-year-old female, both from Kitchener, were arrested on April 26.

Both have been charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. The male suspect is also facing three additional counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Hibbard said the investigation began 13 months ago after patrol officers responded to a break-in at a Kitchener residence. There, officers located several kilograms of cocaine. As a result, the drugs and firearms unit began an organized crime drug trafficking investigation leading to these two arrests.

Hibbard said this is one of the biggest busts in the police service's history.

"This is an ongoing organized criminal network. The distribution of this size and level when you're dealing with kilo level amounts is significant," Hibbard said.

"It would continue throughout the community without us interrupting in this fashion," Hibbard said.

"These drugs were destined to be sold in our community and beyond. We are focused on interrupting the flow of illicit drugs and on arresting those who profit off our most vulnerable members of this community who are suffering from addiction."

In 2023, 695 firearms and other prohibited weapons were seized alongside over $2.72M in drugs. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)

In 2023, 695 firearms and other prohibited weapons were seized alongside over $2.72 million in drugs.

"I think anytime we can disrupt the illicit flow of drugs within our community, it's a win for us, it saves lives," Hibbard said.

"I think that in itself makes a dent as we continue to face a consistent flow of illicit drugs to our communities not just in Waterloo region, but Canadawide."