SAULT STE. MARIE — Today the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service unveiled more than $1.5 million worth of deadly, illicit drugs at a media conference — the result of its largest-ever drug seizure to date.
The massive drug bust took place on the morning of Oct. 21, when officers with Sault Police and Ontario Provincial Police executed a search warrant at an apartment in a multi-unit residential building in the 0-100 block of Princess Crescent.
A search of the residence and a vehicle produced a staggering haul totalling more than 10 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and oxycodone. More than $124,000 in cash and a vehicle were also seized as a result of a lengthy police investigation.
“This investigation reflects our commitment to protecting our community and holding drug traffickers accountable,” Sault Police Interim Deputy Chief William Freeman said during a news conference held at police headquarters this morning.
“I want to recognize the outstanding work of our drug enforcement unit, crime suppression unit, and the officers and our emergency services unit who assisted with the execution of this warrant. Their professionalism and teamwork has made this historic seizure possible.
“I also want to thank our partners at the Ontario Provincial Police — particularly the emergency response team and the provincial operations intelligence bureau — for their collaboration and expertise. Working together, we're able to prevent a significant amount of harm to our community.”
The following items were seized by police:
- Approximately 3.77 kg of suspected fentanyl (estimated street value of $754,390)
- Approximately 2.75 kg of suspected cocaine (estimated street value of $274,815)
- Approximately 4.14 kg of suspected methamphetamine (estimated street value of $413,735)
- 62 tablets of suspected oxycodone (estimated street value of $620)
- Approximately $124,235 in Canadian currency
- Cutting agents, drug packaging materials, three digital weigh scales, five cellular devices
- 2023 Hyundai Sonata
Dejour Jones, a 20-year-old man from Toronto, was arrested and charged with four counts of trafficking and once count of possession of property obtained by crime.
The allegations have not been tested in court and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Jones was held in custody pending a bail hearing, which has been scheduled for tomorrow.
The investigation is ongoing.
“If anybody else is identified, they will be exposed and held accountable,” Freeman said.
SooToday recently published a story describing that many of the city's illicit drugs come from Toronto and other parts of southern Ontario and how harmful that has been for people here.