Fentanyl haul the largest in Halton's history: police by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday, November 24, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of a pound of fentanyl, one of the largest seizures of the drug in Halton to date, says Halton police. Two Burlington residents and three Hamilton residents are facing numerous drug- and weapon-related charges after Halton police executed six search warrants last week at residential and business locations in Burlington and Hamilton. Det. Sgt. Raf Skwarka, of the Drugs and Morality Unit, told the media during a conference Monday morning (Nov. 21) officers began a drug investigation after receiving information about alleged active drug trafficking in Burlington and the surrounding areas in August. "This investigation led to several persons believed to be involved in the drug trade in Halton, Hamilton and Peel," he continued. After executing the search warrants on Nov. 16, along with the pound of fentanyl found, police also seized four fire arms with ammunition, 2.3 kilograms of cocaine, 380 grams of methamphetamine, 284 grams of cannabis marijuana, 63 ecstasy pills, a small amount of ketamine, a small amount of crack cocaine, $125,000 in cash, two kilograms of cutting agents and four vehicles. Halton Police Det. Sgt. Raf Skwarka of the Drug and Morality Unit holds up bags of popcorn fentanyl, also in the photo is a pail of the drug fentanyl, seized cash and a photo of automobiles seized. Members of the Halton Regional Police's Drug and Morality Unit displayed the drugs, guns and cash seized in six raids on homes and businesses in Burlington and Hamilton. This was Halton police's largest seizure -- 1lb. -- to date of the drug fentanyl. Police also confiscated cocaine and handguns. | Graham Paine/Metroland The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $300,000. Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner told the media, "no community is immune to the danger of drugs nor the risks presented by those who traffic in them. "Drugs like fentanyl, which was unheard of only a few short years ago, but is fast becoming a household name, has joined cocaine and meth in making its way across Canada and into our community," he said. "But make no mistake, it is our intention and commitment to do all we can to stop illegal and dangerous drugs at every opportunity and we'll continue as an organization and as a policing profession in Canada to invest in that goal." He said by removing drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and seizing other weapons and properties including firearms and vehicles and currency from the streets, "we are -- and our investigators are --making Halton Region safer in many, many ways." Following the media conference, Skwarka told the Oakville Beaver this investigation has led to the largest seizure of fentanyl. see Fentanyl on p.9 INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law