Cornwall, ON – Three individuals have been taken into custody as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the City of Cornwall.
The Cornwall Police Service (CPS) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau have partnered to develop a joint-force Street Level Enforcement Team to address drug and opioid trafficking, as well as gun-related incidents in the City of Cornwall and surrounding area.
On February 4th, 2022, members of the CPS and OPP Street Level Enforcement Team executed two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Search Warrants in the City of Cornwall at a Baldwin Avenue residence and a First Street East residence.
A detailed search was conducted of the residences, resulting in the seizure of a quantity of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, Amphetamine (Adderall), and Suboxone. Additionally, a handgun, knives and a quantity of Canadian currency was located and seized by police. The total estimated value of the seized drugs is $52,375.00, with approximately $47,000 of the total value resulting from the seizure of fentanyl.
“The successful deployment of Project Antagonist demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Cornwall Police Service and our law enforcement partners in preserving the safety of the public and preventing illicit drugs from reaching vulnerable citizens. We look forward to the continued work of the Street Level Enforcement Team in working collaboratively to dismantle these criminal operations.”- said Inspector of Field Operations Chad Maxwell, Cornwall Police Service.
“Project Antagonist is an excellent example of cooperation and collaboration between law enforcement agencies committed to the overall safety and security of our communities. Our partnership with the Cornwall Police Service in this enforcement endeavour highlights our collective abilities to work towards the disruption of illicit drug trafficking and other related criminal enterprises. I am extremely proud of the success of this Project team and I look forward to its continued accomplishments” said Acting Deputy Director – O.P.P. Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau Chris Kettyle.
The following individuals were taken into custody and charged accordingly:
Courtney Jonathan Raffington, 31, of Cornwall:
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Amphetamine
· Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking – Suboxone
· Carrying concealed weapon x 2
· Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
· Breach of release order x 2 (for possessing a weapon)
James Cholette, 39, of Cornwall:
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Amphetamine
· Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking – Suboxone
· Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
· Breach of probation (for failing to keep the peace)
Amanda McCourt, 42, of Cornwall:
· Possession of a Schedule I substance – Cocaine
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
· Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
· Unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Careless storage of a firearm
· Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Courtney Raffington and James Cholette were held in custody to await a bail hearing. Amanda McCourt was released to appear in court on April 19th, 2022.
The CPS and OPP are working diligently to combat drug trafficking within the City of Cornwall and surrounding areas and would like to remind residents about the dangers of using and selling illicit drugs. Anyone with information on illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact our anonymous tip line at 613-933-5000 ext. 2404 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS/ seawayvalleycrimestoppers.ca.
