Members of the Orillia OPP detachment's Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) have laid multiple drug-trafficking charges after lengthy investigation involving multiple agencies and units.
In the summer of 2023, the Orillia CSCU commenced an investigation looking into an individual who was believed to be heavily involved in the street-level drug trade Orillia.
The OPP says it used multiple investigative techniques and an individual was identified.
The suspect, a alleged gang-affiliated rap artist, with what police say is a "popular social media following, recruited youths and used them as a means to push harmful drugs into the city of Orillia," according to a news release.
The suspect, whom police say was on house arrest for prior firearm-related charges, "was actively involved and responsible for a significant amount of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs entering the city," police say.
Orillia CSCU was assisted by OPP Orillia Major Crime, Toronto Police Intelligence, OPP Central Region Intelligence, OPP Physical Surveillance Unit (PSU), and the Greater Toronto Golden Horseshoe Provincial Operation Intelligence Bureau.
On Dec. 13, the Orillia OPP CSCU, assisted by the Orillia OPP Community Mobilization Unit (CMU), arrested the suspect.
As a result of the investigation, police say the following was seized:
- Suspected fentanyl 707 grams
- Suspected cocaine 811 grams
- 20 suspected oxycodone pills
- Approximately $25,000 in Canadian currency
- Taurus 9mm handgun
- Bersa .380 caliber handgun
- 2019 Land Rover
- 8 cellular devices
- 2 "Wass Gang" diamond rings
- 4 gold and diamond pendants
- 3 Rolex watches
- A patek watch
- Money counter
- Digital scale
- Two bullet proof vests
- A firearm magazine
A 28-year-old from York, Gaddiel Ledinek, has been charged with:
- Trafficking - cocaine
- Trafficking - fentanyl
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - oxycodone
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000
- Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
- Failure to comply with release order x 4
The accused was held in police custody pending a bail hearing.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
