News Releases

Police charge three local males in drug investigation

For Immediate Release:  June 6, 2011

WaterlooRegionON– Waterloo Regional Police have charged three local men in connection with a four month investigation into an alleged marihuana production and distribution operation. 

The investigation by members of the Strategic and Tactical Services Division Drug Branch, with assistance from the Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy Team and Emergency Response Unit, resulted in search warrants being conducted on June 2, 2011 in Kitchener, Cambridge and North Dumfries Township.  A subsequent warrant was executed on June 3, 2011 in Blandford-Blenheim Township with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit.

George Gobran, 40 years of Kitchener, Kenneth Michael Meaney, 49 years of Cambridge and Martin Kenneth Hackborn, 48 years of North Dumfries Township were arrested without incident on June 2, 2011.  The three were charged with Production of a Controlled Substance and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. They were held for an appearance in the Ontario Court of Justice in Kitchener and are remanded in custody. 

In connection with this investigation, Police seized 6,114 marihuana plants; 277 pounds of packaged marihuana and 480 grams of cannabis resin which investigators estimate have a street value of approximately $6,676,950.  Also seized was, approximately $50,000 in equipment, 10 long guns and ammunition, $31,227 cash, seven vehicles and a paraglider.

The Kitchener warrants were executed at a commercial building on Shoemaker Street and at a residence on Knox Court.  In Cambridge, police searched two storage lockers on Industrial Road and a residence on Pineview Avenue.  Items were also seized during warrants at a barn and a residence on Sprague’s Road in North Dumfries Township as well as a barn and residence in Blandford-Blenheim Township.

A display of items is scheduled for 11am on Monday June 6, 2011 at Police Headquarters, 200 Maple Grove Road, Cambridge.  

The Waterloo Regional Police Service is committed to curtailing illegal drugs and drug activities while ensuring public safety and quality of life for all citizens.  By working in partnership with the community we can continue building strong, safe and connected neighbourhoods.  Police encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. 

The investigation continues.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Drug Branch at (519) 650 8500 ext. 8612, Crime Stoppers, 1 800 222 8477 or email: drugbranch@wrps.on.ca

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Media Inquiries:
Inspector Greg Lamport, Executive Officer
(519) 650-8500 ext. 8713

Olaf Heinzel, Public Affairs Coordinator
(519) 650-8500 ext. 8773