Chatham-Kent police have arrested and charged a total of 11 local people after a drug bust that took six months to crack.
Police said information gathered about criminal activity in Chatham-Kent led to the arrests on Tuesday.
“Tuesday’s arrests highlight the results of ‘Project Fresh’ that specifically targeted criminal activity in our community," Inspector Trevor Crane said. "‘Project Fresh’ was a long and tedious undertaking initiated and coordinated by our Intelligence Section over the past several months."
Police said they continue working to combat the flow of drugs and related property crimes that result from their sales and use. They also promise to use as many investigative avenues as possible to target illicit drugs and property crimes, and those involved in those activities within the community.
Jeremy Swistun, 35, of Chatham has been charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of hydromorphone.
Michael VanDusen, 34, of Chatham has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine, and trafficking heroin.
Richard Reycraft, 50, of Chatham has been charged with four counts of trafficking methamphetamine, and four counts of trafficking cocaine.
Spencer Wright, 24, of Chatham has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking heroin, and possession of methamphetamine.
Ivan Hotte, 66, of Chatham has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine.
Jacques Lachance, 29, of Chatham has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine.
Benjiamino Turato, 28, of Chatham has been charged with two counts of trafficking heroin and uttering threats.
Another four suspects were arrested at an apartment building in Chatham after a search warrant was executed.
Melvin Manley, 46, of Chatham has been charged with possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl, four counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, two counts of possession of a prohibited device while knowing the item is prohibited, and three counts of failing to comply with his release conditions.
Joy Fields, 53, of Pain Court has been charged with possession of heroin and possession of methamphetamine.
Nichole Fields, 32, of Pain Court has been charged with possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl.
Tawnya Gold, 35, of Dresden has been charged with possession of heroin and possession of methamphetamine.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
