7 arrested, 55 grams cocaine seized in Ottawa Valley drug bust

Seven people are facing charges following a drug trafficking investigation that led to multiple search warrants.

On Dec. 4, members of the OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit, assisted by the Emergency Response Team, Canine Unit and Pembroke officers, executed search warrants at residences on William Street in Pembroke.

During the searches, officers seized approximately 55 grams of suspected cocaine, hydromorphone tablets and pills, as well as items associated with drug trafficking.

The following seven individuals have been charged.

Major Charles, 45, from Pembroke ahs been charged with:

• Two counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000; and
• Two counts of fail to comply.

Ian Hopper, 50, from Petawawa, and Corey Popkie, 38, and Brooke Laverdure-Orr, 29, from Pembroke, have each been charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking; and
• Fail to comply with probation order.

Amanda Russell, 29, from Pembroke has been charged with:

• Two counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking; and
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Michael O’Hara, 43, from Petawawa and Owen Sack, 28, from Pembroke have been charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.

OPP say Charles, Hopper and Popkie remain in custody. The other accused have been released pending a court appearance.