Police in Gatineau have made significant arrests, capturing four individuals, including one minor, involved in illegal drug sales via the messaging platform Telegram. This operation highlights the troubling trend of drug trafficking targeting mainly young clients.
On March 17, 2025, the Gatineau Police Service (SPVG) reported their findings following two searches conducted last week. Officer Patrick Kenney noted, "La vente sur internet est très populaire, spécialement chez les jeunes. Les vendeurs ne se cachent pas"—a stark reminder of the open transactions happening online, particularly among the youth.
The police seized nearly half a kilogram of cannabis, almost 90 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and other drugs, including ecstasy, cocaine, dilaudid, and xanax tablets. There were also over 120 THC vape pens and about 40 packages of THC-infused candy found during the searches. Alongside these illicit substances, officers confiscated contraband cigarettes, nicotine vapes, cash, and several prohibited weapons.
According to the SPVG, the investigation stemmed from tips provided by the community. Kenney emphasized the importance of public involvement, stating, "Tout ce qui est tabac de contrebande, c'est de matière pénale, donc ce n'est pas criminel. Toutefois, la présence d'armes prohibées, c'est en vertu du Code criminel. Tout ce qui est en lien avec la possession, la vente, le trafic de stupéfiants ainsi que la possession de matériel facilitant la vente ou permettant le trafic sont des accusations criminelles supplémentaires." With multiple charges anticipated, the situation indicates serious legal repercussions for the suspects involved, who were released and will face court proceedings at later dates yet to be determined.
This disturbing rise of drug sales via social media poses significant risks to minors, who are easily swayed by such accessible platforms. The Gatineau Police seem prepared to confront this challenge head-on, promoting community safety and vigilance. The SPVG’s actions serve as both enforcement and deterrence, reinforcing their commitment to ridding the community of these drug-trafficking threats.
With drug trafficking increasingly visible and accessible through platforms like Telegram, concerned citizens are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support local law enforcement efforts.
Police operations like this remind us of the continuous fight against drug trafficking, especially when it influences the younger, more impressionable members of the community. The unresolved status surrounding the four suspects will surely keep the community vigilant as they await the court's decisions and future actions from law enforcement.
