Sarnia, Ontario — A multi-month joint police investigation targeting cocaine traffickers in Sarnia has culminated in the seizure of over $410,000 worth of cocaine, seven firearms, cash, and drug paraphernalia, police confirmed Thursday. The operation, dubbed Project Bullpen, resulted in seven arrests and a total of 37 criminal charges against the accused.
The Sarnia Police Service described the investigation as a comprehensive effort involving multiple units, including their Major Case Action Team, the Intelligence Bureau, and the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO). Officers worked alongside several regional police services to dismantle what they say was a significant cocaine distribution network operating in Sarnia and surrounding areas.
Coordinated Raids Lead to Major Seizures
According to police, early in the morning of December 16, 2025, search warrants were executed simultaneously at six residences linked to the investigation. Five of these were located in Sarnia, while one was in Corunna, a community approximately 10 minutes from Sarnia.
During the coordinated raids, law enforcement seized the following:
-
3,419.8 grams of cocaine, with purity levels ranging from 94% to 98%
-
$6,315 in cash
-
Drug packaging materials, scales, and cellphones
-
Seven firearms, including:
-
Savage Axis – Calibre 22-250
-
Marlin XT – .22 calibre
-
Savage Model 11 – 243 WIN calibre
-
Savage Model 64 – .22 calibre
-
Remington Model 700 – 270 WIN calibre
-
Savage Axis – 223 calibre
-
Winchester Super X Pump – 12 gauge shotgun
-
The estimated street value of the seized cocaine is $410,376, according to police.
“These seizures represent a major disruption to illegal drug activity in Sarnia,” said Sarnia Police Service Chief in a statement. “Project Bullpen reflects the dedication of our officers and partner agencies in ensuring that our community remains safe.”
Arrests and Charges
The seven individuals arrested range in age from 27 to 45 years old and are primarily residents of Sarnia, Corunna, and the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
They collectively face 37 criminal charges, including:
-
Trafficking a Schedule I substance
-
Possession of a Schedule I substance
-
Possession of property obtained by crime
-
Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Following their court appearances, five of the accused were remanded into custody, while two were released on an undertaking or with conditions pending further court proceedings.
Police stress that the investigation is ongoing, and they are actively following leads that may result in additional charges or arrests.
Multi-Jurisdictional Effort
Project Bullpen was described by officials as a collaborative law enforcement operation involving numerous police agencies across southwestern Ontario.
Supporting units included:
-
Sarnia Police Emergency Response Team (ERT) and K9 units
-
ERT teams from Chatham-Kent, St. Thomas, and Windsor police services
-
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) ERT and Street Crime Unit, particularly assisting with the Corunna search
Police emphasized the importance of multi-jurisdictional cooperation in tackling organized drug activity, highlighting that such networks often operate across municipal boundaries.
“The success of Project Bullpen underscores the critical role of collaboration between agencies, intelligence sharing, and specialized tactical units,” said a spokesperson for the Sarnia Police Service.
Background on Project Bullpen
The investigation, which began several months ago, focused on individuals involved in cocaine distribution within the City of Sarnia. Police said intelligence gathered over the course of the investigation pointed to multiple residences used to store and distribute drugs, as well as illicit firearms circulation tied to the network.
While Project Bullpen is the latest in a series of anti-drug initiatives in southwestern Ontario, officials noted that cocaine trafficking remains a persistent and serious issue in the region.
“Cocaine distribution not only fuels addiction but often brings associated criminal activity such as weapons offences and property crime,” the spokesperson said. “Operations like this remove dangerous substances and weapons from our streets, protecting residents and families.”
Community and Public Safety Impact
The seizure of high-purity cocaine and firearms highlights the potential dangers these illicit operations pose to communities. High-purity cocaine, such as the batches seized, carries significant overdose risks, particularly when combined with other substances.
Public safety officials reminded the community that drug use and distribution have serious legal consequences, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local police.
Police also underscored the role of the community in supporting law enforcement, noting that tips and intelligence often play a crucial role in investigations of this scale. Residents can submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers or contact their local police station directly.
Firearms Seized During Raids
The seven firearms recovered during the investigation ranged from rifles to a pump-action shotgun, all of which were unlawfully possessed according to investigators. Police warned that the combination of firearms and narcotics poses heightened risks of violence in the community.
“All firearms recovered were immediately secured, and their removal significantly reduces the risk to both law enforcement and the public,” the police statement said.
Charges Breakdown and Next Steps
While full details of the 37 charges have not been publicly released, legal analysts note that trafficking and possession of Schedule I substances carry severe penalties under Canadian law, including mandatory minimum sentences in some cases.
The accused individuals are expected to appear in Sarnia court over the coming weeks as their cases progress. Additional charges may be laid pending further investigation and forensic analysis of seized materials, including cellphones, ledgers, and packaging equipment.
Regional Collaboration Key to Success
Project Bullpen demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative policing. By combining the resources of municipal, regional, and provincial law enforcement, authorities were able to execute simultaneous raids, secure evidence, and prevent potential destruction or movement of illicit substances.
Experts in law enforcement highlight that coordinated intelligence and tactical operations are essential in dismantling drug trafficking networks, which often adapt quickly to evade detection.
“This kind of operation takes months of planning, surveillance, and intelligence analysis,” said a criminal justice expert. “It’s a testament to law enforcement dedication that multiple arrests and seizures were achieved without incident.”
Public Guidance and Awareness
Police urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, particularly around areas known for drug distribution. They also encourage community members to engage in preventive measures, including education and outreach to youth, to reduce the local demand for illegal substances.
“Community awareness, combined with law enforcement action, is the most effective way to reduce the harm caused by drugs and violence,” said the spokesperson.
Conclusion
Project Bullpen marks a significant victory for law enforcement in Sarnia and southwestern Ontario, disrupting a cocaine distribution network and removing dangerous substances and firearms from circulation.
Seven individuals now face multiple serious charges, and police say the operation sends a clear message that drug trafficking and associated crimes will not be tolerated.
Authorities continue to review evidence and encourage public cooperation, noting that the investigation remains active and additional arrests or charges may follow.
