Pembroke OPP investigating possible link between seized drugs and recent overdoses

Police are investigating possible links between recently seized drugs in Pembroke and recent overdoses in that community, including deaths suspected to be the result of drug overdoses.

On Wednesday, March 13, members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed search warrant at two apartments on Moffat Street.

Six people were arrested, and officers seized over 50 grams of suspected cocaine, as well as suspected fentanyl, nearly 10 grams of MDMA and methamphetamine pills.

Officers also seized items associated with drug trafficking including scales, packaging material and replica firearms/pellet guns.

Ben Lush, 39, of Petawawa, faces the following charges:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

Ian Arsenault, 41 of Pembroke, and Emma Jenkins, 19, of Petawawa, each face two counts each of possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking. Arsenault is additionally charged with failing to comply with a probation order.

Teressa Hammill, 23, of Pembroke and Roseanne Sylvester, 40, of Pembroke, and Blake Tysick, 57, of Pembroke, each face one count of possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Tysick and Sylvester were released with court dates in Pembroke on April 9, 2024. Hammill was held in custody ahead of a bail hearing on Thursday, March 14.

The OPP, emergency services partners, City of Pembroke and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit are working collaboratively to ensure prevention, education and support for those impacted by drug use, with a particular focus on outreach to the at-risk population.

If you have any information about drug , you’re asked to please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or report online through ontariocrimestoppers.ca.