NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have laid charges and seized drugs and money following a trafficking investigation in the City of Markham.
In the fall of 2021, police began an investigation into drug trafficking after receiving information about a suspected drug dealer. Through the investigation, officers identified a suspect.
On Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, a search warrant was executed at the suspect’s residence in Markham.
A second search warrant was executed at the suspect’s workplace in Markham. Officers located 1.3 pounds of cocaine, 22 pounds of marihuana, 153 grams of psilocybin, packaging material and approximately $3,000 cash.
A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with drug trafficking offences, along with a 20-year-old female and a 23-year-old male.
CHARGED:
- Arun Nagaratnam, 23, of Markham
CHARGES:
- Trafficking - Cocaine
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
- Possession for the Purpose of Distribution
CHARGED:
- [Name removed]* of Markham
CHARGED:
- Kevin Persaud, 23, of Markham
CHARGES:
- Trafficking - Cocaine
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession for the Purpose of Distribution
York Regional Police is committed to combating the distribution of opioids and other drugs in our community. For more information on how partners from across York Region are working together to reduce opioid harms, read the Opioid Action Plan. A video on the dangers of fentanyl is available for viewing here.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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*Editor's Note, March 14, 2024: The name of the accused has been removed due to charges being withdrawn.
