A five-month drug investigation, involving the co-operation of several police forces, culminated in nine early-morning raids Tuesday that resulted in more than 130 drug charges and 33 arrests in Orangeville, Shelburne, Mono, Melancthon and East Garafraxa.

While the total value of the various drugs seized was not huge, in relative terms, the participating departments were pleased with the impact “Operation Snow Belt” had on street-level trafficking.

At a press conference Tuesday in Shelburne, drugs and cash from the raids were on display. Police said they seized varying quantities of powder cocaine (128 grams), crack cocaine (4.5 grams), marijuana (1.581 kilograms), magic mushrooms (1.4 grams), ecstasy (27 tablets), MDNA (21 capsules), Oxycontin (30 tablets) and Percocet (79 tablets).

The street value of the drugs seized totalled in excess of $40, 000.

In addition to drugs, the project seized over $4,600 in cash, three vehicles and an ATV that had previously been reported stolen.

Shelburne Police Chief Kent Moore said the primary objective “was to significantly impact a community that has regrettably been affected” by street-level trafficking. In a later interview, he added that Operation Snow Belt was sending a message to low-level dealers who might have thought they were operating under the radar of police, who they figured were only interested in traffickers of largerscale narcotics.

“We needed to make it real clear that we will do whatever it takes.”

Inspector Steve Clegg of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, said there are still more charges to be laid and made it clear that Operation Snow Belt was just the beginning of an all-out initiative against street-level drug trafficking.

While the operation began in February, undercover investigation began in earnest in April.

According to an Orangeville Police Service release, evidence gathering concluded on Tuesday, when more than 70 officers from various police forces, including the Midland, Guelph, West Grey, Owen Sound, Saugeen Shores, Waterloo Regional, Halton Regional], York Regional and Toronto police services, the Ontario Provincial Police and members of the OPP’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and Drug Enforcement Unit, simultaneously executed nine Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants in Orangeville, Shelburne and Mono and the townships of Melancthon, Mulmur and East Garafraxa.

Those facing multiple charges include James Francis Feeley, 22, of East Garafraxa; Tyler Gordon Irving, 19, of Orangeville; Joshua Michael McFayden, 18, of Mono; Ryan Frank Pohl, 23, of Orangeville; Owen Robert Reid, 32, of Orangeville; Timothy Lyle Rutledge, 45, of Orangeville; Timothy Howard Barry Slade, 24, of Orangeville; Dylan Gary Brent, 27, of Mono; Charles Ernest Clackett, 26, of Shelburne; Tyler Lawrence Coffey, 27, of Melancthon; Justin Daniel Horsley, 19, of Shelburne; Sarah Kukovis, 23, of Shelburne; Thomas David Meunier, 28, of Shelburne; Shane Matthew Sheldon, 39, of Shelburne; Lisa Dawn Wilson, 25, of Shelburne; Michael Yankowski, 37, of Mulmur, and Leslie Anne French, 31, of Shelburne. Nearly all were to appear for a bail hearing today (Thursday).

Those charged with simple possession were Kimberly Teresa Hebde, 26, of Orangeville; Cynthia Lou-Ann McKenzie, 44, of Orangeville and Bonnie Jean Gray, 38, of Shelburne.

Police also arrested and charged four persons under the age of 18, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

“Our officers work daily to rid our communities of drugs and the crimes associated with drug dealing,” said Orangeville Police Chief Joe Tomei. “I know that on a regular basis that information is shared about individuals who having chosen to plague or communities with illegal activity and today’s work should serve as an indication that their illegal actions are not only unacceptable but not welcome anywhere in Dufferin County.”

Among those present at Tuesday’s press conference apart from police and the press was Shelburne Mayor Ed Crewson.

“In 22 years, I’ve never seen 33 (suspects) taken in one sweep,” Mayor Crewson told the officers. “Our community thanks you for your continued service.”

Anyone having further information with regards to these incidents is encouraged to call the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Orangeville Police Service at 519-941- 2522, Shelburne Police Service at 519-925-3111 or Crime Stoppers at either 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sdmcrimestoppers. com. Callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for a crime may qualify the caller for a cash reward of up to $1,000.