Cobourg residents face drug trafficking charges due to Port Hope/ Cobourg police car stop & home search
In the spring of 2023, as part of an ongoing enhanced enforcement strategy targeting illegal drug activity in Northumberland County, members of the Port Hope Police Service (PHPS) and Cobourg Police Service (CPS) Criminal Investigations Branches commenced an investigation after receiving information alleging a resident was trafficking illicit drugs in the Town of Cobourg, Municipality of Port Hope, and surrounding areas.
On June 26, 2023, with the assistance of PHPS and CPS uniform members, a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle on County Road 2 in the Town of Cobourg. The driver and passenger were arrested without incident.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of approximately 160 grams of fentanyl and 28 grams of cocaine.
As a result of the investigation, David Dawson (35), and Jennifer Thompson (45), both of Cobourg, were jointly charged with the following:
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine contrary to section 5(2) CDSA
Dawson was additionally charged with the following:
• Possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000 contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
A search warrant was executed at a residence at 100 King Street, West. As a result of the search of the home, police located and seized further evidence including multiple scales, cell phones and paraphernalia and a replica firearm, objects allegedly used by drug traffickers.
The total estimated street value of the seized drugs is $68,000.
Both accused were held for bail a hearing.
The siezed fentanyl was pressed, coloured, scented, and shaped to resemble that of children’s candy.
In other police news… a cyber incident at PHPS
On June 25, 2023, the Port Hope Police Service identified a network issue, which an investigation has now revealed to be a cyber incident.
At no time was PHPS’s ability to respond to calls compromised. 9-1-1 system for emergency calls were not been affected, and the telephone line for non-urgent concerns remained operational.
The Information Technology team, the Ontario Provincial Police Cyber Crime Investigations team, as well as third-party cyber experts, are working to regain access to affected systems.
A department communique says: “We understand this may cause concerns. This is an active ongoing investigation, and we are committed to updating our community as necessary as we work to resolve the issue. The safety and
security of the citizens of Port Hope remain our number one priority.Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support.”
