NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Members of the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit (GGDEU) have charged three men and seized more than $20,0000 worth of controlled drugs and substances following an investigation in the City of Richmond Hill.
On Nov. 16, 2023, members of the GGDEU investigated drug trafficking on Osiris Drive. A search warrant was executed at a residence on the street and as a result, police seized controlled substances suspected to be the following: 74 grams of fentanyl, 103 grams of cocaine and 19 Percocet pills. The drugs have a street value estimated at a combined total of $22,000.
In addition, officers seized more than 50 rounds of 9mm and .38 Special ammunition stored unsafely throughout the residence, along with almost $2,000 in Canadian currency.
Christopher McFarland, 45, and Phillip Gribbons, 45, both of Richmond Hill, and Joseph Anness, 46, of no fixed address, are each charged with five counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking and one count of Careless Storage of Ammunition.
The investigation is ongoing.
“We will continue to seize fentanyl and other deadly drugs in our region and charge those engaged in trafficking on our streets,” said York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween. “We will enforce the law while working with our community partners to address the issues surrounding this growing problem.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-866-894-5423, ext. 7817, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
For insights into policing activities in your neighbourhood, visit the York Regional Police Community Safety Data Portal at https://community-safety-portal-datayrp.hub.arcgis.com. It features a crime map with an easy-to-use dashboard and offers a wealth of information on crime prevention, community safety, trends, statistics and more.
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