Members of the Sarnia Police Service Vice Unit entered into an extensive drug investigation regarding suspects that were believed to be trafficking large amounts of cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
The investigation also revealed that the suspects were using various locations within the City of Sarnia, as well as a location in the Village of Point Edward, to conduct their illegal activity.
Vice officers applied for and were granted Controlled Drugs and Substance Act Search Warrants for two address in the 800 block of Phillip Street East (automotive body shops), 100 block of Richard Street, 400 block of Wellington Street, and the 400 block of Devine Street (all within the City of Sarnia). The final address was in the 100 block of Kendall Street (also an automotive body shop) in the Village of Point Edward.
On January 12, 2022, at approximately 3:00 PM, members of the Sarnia Police Service Vice Unit with assistance from the Sarnia Police Service Emergency Response Team, Uniform Patrol, and the Criminal Investigation Division began executing the search warrants.
As officers made their entry into the Phillip Street addresses a number of suspects attempted to flee the buildings or hide but were apprehended without incident.
Due to the number of locations and the large amount of area to be searched the officers began their search on January 12, 2022 and completed it on January 13, 2022.
The searches on Phillip Street East and Kendal Street located various quantities of illegal drugs, precursors (which are substances used in the alleged production of fentanyl powder from pure carfentanil), and various forms of drug paraphernalia believed to be used in the production and distribution of street drugs (ie. packaging, scales, etc).
A search of the Wellington Street address located various quantities of drugs along with a replica handgun, drug paraphernalia, and a homemade taser that was functional. Nothing of significance was located on Devine Street or Richard Street.
The total amount of drugs seized from all locations is as follows:
1) 13.8 grams of street-ready fentanyl
2) 122 grams of pure carfentanil
3) 954.9 grams of crystal methamphetamine
4) 265.1 grams of cocaine
5) Eight 4mg hydromorphone pills
6) Thirty 100mg morphine pills
7) $630 in currency
The total value of controlled substances seized, along with currency, is approximately $171,006.
The following individuals were charged accordingly:
1) Nathan Keith Raaymakers, 41 years of age, of Sarnia, faces three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a Schedule I Substance. Raaymakers is now also wanted on a warrant for two further counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking. A photo of Raaymakers can be found below.
WANTED
2) Nicholas Edward Bailey, 25 years of age, of Sarnia, faces three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of a Schedule I Substance, and three counts of failing to comply with a release order.
3) Tiffany Nadine Chamaillard-Hunter, 47 years of age, of Sarnia, faces two counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a Schedule I Substance.
4) Danielle Alana Smith, 24 years of age, of Sarnia, faces two counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a Schedule I Substance.
5) Timothy Ross Tomlinson, 55 years of age, of Sarnia, faces two counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a Schedule I Substance.
All the individuals mentioned above were arrested and taken into custody. Since then, Nicholas Bailey remains in custody while the remaining four were released on their respective charges.
Further charges are pending as the investigation continues.
The seizure of 954.9 grams (nearly a kilogram) of crystal methamphetamine is the largest known seizure by the Sarnia Police Service.
Also, the seizure of 122 grams of pure carfentanil is the largest seizure of this substance that has been seized by the Sarnia Police Service.
Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl powder. It is believed that once this quantity of substance has been processed it will translate into over 1 kilogram of street ready fentanyl powder.
A significant concern that arises with carfentanil being processed into street ready carfentanil or fentanyl powder, is the actual process. If carfentanil is not mixed and diluted properly the concentration may be great enough to cause death, even the smallest amount. As well, the conditions and equipment allegedly being used are not pharmaceutical grade and thus there is a very great risk that the final product that would be sold on the streets could be fatal.