Joint OPP and Kingston Police investigation nets arrests, drug seizure

A joint police investigation by the OPP’s Lennox and Addington (L&A) County detachment and the Kingston Police has led to the execution of a search warrant and the arrest of individuals believed to be involved in drug trafficking in the area.

The L&A County OPP say that in January of 2021, their Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) began an investigation into drug trafficking activity within the detachment area. According to the OPP, their investigation soon suggested ties to the City of Kingston and the CSCU investigators made contact with their counterparts in the Kingston Police Drug Unit. Investigators from both police services collaborated on the investigation and on February 5, 2021 members of both police services executed a search warrant at a residence in Loyalist Township.

Police say they seized a variety of illegal drugs believed to be fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription medications along with a quantity of cash. Three people were also arrested at the residence.

As a result of the investigation, police have charged Kingston residents 30-year-old Bryan Dawdy and 25-year-old Christine Kelly with possession of Proceeds of Crime contrary to the Criminal Code, four counts of possession of a Schedule I for the purpose of trafficking, and two counts of possession of a Schedule IV substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Also arrested was Loyalist Township resident Andrew Bennett, 54 years old, who is charged with three counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Bennett and Kelly were both released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee in April. Dawdy remains in custody.

Inspector Scott Semple, L&A County OPP Detachment Commander, said of the investigation, “Those individuals who would engage in criminal activity like drug trafficking do not concern themselves with policing jurisdictional boundaries. This investigation highlights how effective collaboration between police services is absolutely critical to the continuing efforts of the police in keeping our communities safe and secure”.