In the largest methamphetamine investigation in Windsor's history, police have charged 15 people and taken over $180,000 of drugs off the streets.
Starting in September 2016, Windsor police deployed undercover officers to explore the extent of the drug problem in the city. Within the 12 week investigation, officers were able to purchase more than 850 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
"Officers were able to confirm that crystal methamphetamine has taken over crack cocaine in the city of Windsor, as the most commonly abused drug within the city," says Staff Sergeant Frank Providenti.
Police say the most alarming part of the investigation was the discovery of a powdered form of fentanyl. They say it is extremely dangerous, potentially fatal and can be mixed with almost anything without detection. Police believe there were at least three deaths in Windsor this year connected to an overdose of fentanyl.
"You don't know what you're getting, they cut it, they put it in other products, they don't know how to weigh it out properly, you never know what you're getting," says Providenti. "Fentanyl is odorless, tasteless so you don't really know until it's too late what you're getting."
Windsor police officers discovered that fentanyl patches are hard to purchase at this time and they believe it's because of the patch for patch program implemented in the city. With the program, people who are prescribed fentanyl patches must return the used patches to receive a new dose.
In total 15 people were charged with 108 offences under the criminal code. To date 11 people have been arrested and four people are still at large.
