London police seize record $2.7M of fentanyl, shut down home production facility

London police announced their largest drug bust in the force's history on Wednesday, seizing $2.7 million in fentanyl, along with other drugs, guns and cash.

The five-month investigation, including several police forces, led to searching six residences in London, Toronto and Hamilton, where police found close to 35 kg of fentanyl. The drugs were on display at police headquarters during the announcement.

"The seizure that we're displaying today has made a significant impact in the drug underworld," said London Police Chief Thai Truong.

"Since 2019, the opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on our community, claiming on average 120 lives each year in London … This crisis is not just local; it extends provincially and nationally," said Truong, adding that the investigation was done in collaboration with Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto police and Hamilton police.

Police also discovered that one of the residences was being used as a fentanyl production lab. Detective Sergeant Jon Meinen said the seized drugs showed a clear progression of the fentanyl's processing and police found common manufacturing equipment on-site.

"Taken together, this evidence revealed a sophisticated and well-established operation," Meinen said. "This is a stark example of a complete disregard for the lives and safety of our vulnerable persons experiencing addictions."

Police would not say if the residence was located in London.

While searching the homes, police also seized close to five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, close to 500 grams of cocaine, several firearms, ammunition, a cutting agent, six vehicles, and both Canadian and American cash.

Five of the firearms can be traced to the United States, Meinen said, adding that one of the handguns, a Draco 7.62, shoots more like a semi-automatic rifle and is prohibited in Canada.

"The amount of potential harm to our community represented on these tables is disturbing," said Meinen.

Four men, including two from London, are facing a combined total of 117 charges. The four have been jointly charged with the following:

• Nine counts of possession of a restricted weapon or device.
• Five counts of possession of a loaded/regulated firearm.
• Five counts of careless storage of a firearm/ammunition.
• Five counts of possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm.
• Three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• One count of produce a Schedule I substance.

Two of the men have additionally been charged with counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to the prohibition order, and one of the men was charged with possession of a prohibited device contrary to the prohibition order.

Both of the London men have been released from custody and are scheduled to reappear in London court on May 30. The two Toronto men remain in custody and will reappear in London court on May 29.

While charges have already been laid, Truong said the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.