Project Road Runner leads to seizure of Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Psilocybin and Cannabis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, May 7, 2022 1:40 p.m.

(Ottawa) – A three-month investigation by the Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit has led to multiple drug seizures and six arrests.

The investigation focused on a drug distribution network operating within the city.

Early Friday morning, multiple search warrants were executed at six residences in Ottawa.

• 1200 block of McWatters Road
• 100 block of Woodridge Crescent
• 300 block of Foxridge Way
• 100 block of Hearst Way
• a residence on Banner Road
• a residence on Barnstone Drive

Six people have been arrested and charged and one person is still being sought by police in relation to the investigation.

Charges include numerous Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), Criminal Code and Cannabis Act offences including possession for the purpose of selling/distributing.

Charged are:

• Minh NGUYEN, 29 years old, of Ottawa
• Derek TA, 25 years old, of Ottawa
• Alex DUONG, 31 years old, of Ottawa  
• Charlie DUONG, 33 years old, of Ottawa 
• Aleskey BRAJNIK, 31 years old, of Ottawa  
• John COCHRANE, 34 years old, of Ottawa

All have been released and are scheduled to appear in court on July 12, 2022.

Ginn PALUCK, 30 years old, of Ottawa, is facing charges and is presently being sought by police for multiple charges related to the investigation including participate in/contribute to criminal organization and possession of a Schedule I substance for trafficking.

During the investigation and following the execution of search warrants, police seized:

• 1.5 kg of cocaine
• 7000 methamphetamine pills
• 30 grams of fentanyl
• Nearly 3 kilograms (2735 grams) of cannabis resin
• Nearly 3 kilograms (2771 grams) of cannabis concentrate (shatter)
• 188 cannabis vaporizers/cartridges
• Over 14 kilograms (14140 grams) of cannabis edibles
• Nearly 7 kilograms (6810 grams) of phenacetin
• Over 3 kilograms (3178 grams) of psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
• 210 kilograms of cannabis
• Approximately $175,000 in Canadian currency
• 1 luxury vehicle
• 1 bulletproof vest

Assorted drug trafficking paraphernalia and replica firearms were also seized.

We encourage everyone to report drug offences by contacting the Ottawa Police Drug Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5080.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

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