Kingston Police investigating high-level fentanyl, cocaine trafficking cell

The Kingston Police Drug Enforcement Unit concluded a six-month investigation aimed at combating a high-level fentanyl and cocaine trafficking cell operating in the city on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020.

According to Kingston Police, the Investigation CETO focused on the drug trafficking cell, which was operating out of several motels in the City of Kingston.

“This group was a street gang from the Greater Toronto Area. The investigation concluded with a takedown in the City of Kingston of a youth in possession of a large amount of fentanyl and cocaine,” Kingston Police said in a press release on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020.

That takedown involved members of the Kingston Police Emergency Response Unit, the Kingston Police Street Crime Unit, the East Region OPP ROPE Squad, and the Belleville Police K9 Unit. Additionally, members of the Peel Regional Police assisted with the arrest of a male in Toronto connected to the investigation. As a result, Shamir Stanberry, 25, of Toronto was arrested. Stanberry was found to be in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.

Stanberry and two male youths are now facing multiple charges, including:

• Drug trafficking
• Possession of a firearm
• Committing criminal offences on behalf of a criminal organization
• Possession of the proceeds of crime

The investigation also resulted in police seizing more than $322,700 worth of fentanyl, cocaine, Canadian currency, and a firearm. The arrested males were held in custody pending bail hearings.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police expect to make additional arrests, according to Kingston Police.