NewsRelease_AUG24_2024GUNS (1)
Hamilton Police continue to put pressure on those individuals and organizations dealing drugs in our community.
A Hamilton Police Major Drugs and Gangs Unit investigation led to the seizure of a large amount of cocaine, MDMA, oxycodone, illicit cannabis, psilocybin, as well as a large amount of cash and numerous firearms.
“We are committed to tackling gun violence and drug trafficking in our City. These issues threaten the safety of our neighbourhoods and the well-being of our residents. Our members are dedicated to getting these criminals off the streets and continuing to make Hamilton a safe place for everyone,” said Chief Frank Bergen.
On August 22, 2024, warrants were executed at an Ancaster residence, rural Burlington property and a motor vehicle. As a result, Police seized the following illicit drugs:
- Over one kilogram of cocaine
- Approximately seven kilograms of MDMA
- 33 kilograms of processed cannabis
- Over 250 grams of psilocybin
- Over 2,500 oxycodone pills
The street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be $632,685.
Police also seized the following:
- A large amount of cash, estimated to be between $200.000 – $250,000
- A 9 mm Prohibited handgun
- A .45 caliber handgun
- Ammunition
- A conducted energy weapon
Further, Police seized another restricted firearm and four non-restricted firearms to be held for a firearms prohibition hearing.
As a result of the investigation Nikolas Deschenes, a 34-year-old Ancaster man, was arrested and faces the following criminal charges:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of Prohibited Firearm
- Possession Contrary to Order
- Possession Contrary to Order
- CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – MDMA
- CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Oxycodone
- Cannabis Act 9(2) – Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
- Cannabis Act 10(2) – Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling
- Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
A 31-year-old Burlington male is being sought by police and will be charged with the following:
- Careless Storage of a Firearm
- Possession of Prohibited Weapon
- CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Psilocybin
Anyone with any information in regards to this investigation can contact Detective Sergeant Steve Bereziuk of the Major Drugs and Gangs Unit at 905-546-3887.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.