Local police searched a Katherine Street home early yesterday morning where they found a loaded handgun, cocaine, and fentanyl, which led to the arrest of five Collingwood residents.
The search, which took place at 3 a.m. on Sept. 12, was part of a drug trafficking investigation ongoing by the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains OPP Community Street Crime Unit that began this summer.
The Collingwood detachment officers were joined by members of the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, the Huronia West street crimes unit, OPP canines, and the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.
Police discovered and arrested five people during the search.
In addition to the loaded handgun, police also seized more than 5.5 ounces of cocaine, 26 grams of fentanyl, seven grams of psilocybin, three expandable batons, $855 Canadian cash, and other "evidence of drug trafficking."
Of the five people arrested, Christopher Sabean, 48, of Collingwood faces the longest list of charges, including:
- Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the purpose of trafficking - Fentanyl
- knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a loaded Firearm
- Possession of Firearm knowing Serial Number has been Tampered With
- Unauthorized possession of a Firearm
- Possession of Prohibited ammunition or device - two counts
- Possession of Firearm contrary to Prohibition Order
- Failure to comply with Release Order
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime
Police also arrested Jennifer McIntyre, 32, of Collingwood, who faces charges for possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking, one count for cocaine, and one for fentanyl.
April Byers, 44, Tammy Carson, 39, and James Thornington, 48, all from Collingwood, were each arrested and charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
None of the charges have been proven in court.
Sabean and McIntyre were held in custody to await a bail hearing in Barrie. Byers, Carson and Thorninngton were released on undertakings and will appear in Collingwood court later.
Report suspected drug-trafficking or suspicious activity to OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca/.
