Community concerns lead to three arrests in Chinatown

Ottawa police say three people, including two youths, were arrested and an unspecified quantity of illegal drugs was seized following a “targeted operation” last month in Ottawa’s Chinatown district.

In a release, police said the force’s Carlington Neighbourhood Response Team initiated “proactive surveillance, (on Nov. 28) in response to ongoing community drug concerns.”

The surveillance led to the arrests of two youths for trafficking-related offences, while a 47-year-old Ottawa man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Charges against the youths include possession for the purpose of trafficking a Schedule I substance and possession of proceeds of crime. They were also charged with carrying a concealed weapon and offences involving breach of release conditions.

Police seized “a quantity” of prescription opioids and crack cocaine, a concealed knife, cash, cellphones, and drug-trafficking equipment.

The OPS Drug Unit is leading the ongoing investigation.

“The OPS remains committed to addressing drug activity and enhancing community safety through proactive enforcement and ongoing community engagement,” police said in the release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Drug Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5080.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

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