14 charged in drug investigation

Ottawa police have arrested and charged 14 people with drug-related offences after neighbours’ complaints sparked two downtown investigations. According to police, a search warrant was obtained for a residence on Carillon Street, near the Vanier Parkway, on May 9. As a result, police seized cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl (also found in a purple putty-like substance), hydromorphone, oxycocet and marijuana. A second warrant was obtained on May 16 for a residence on Shakespeare Street in Vanier, resulting in the seizure of crack cocaine. Police said both investigations were sparked by complaints from concerned residents. They said the investigations allowed them to identify 31 people they believe are involved in the sale of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, amphetamines, methamphetamine, hydromorphone, Xanax, and marijuana in the area. So far, 14 people have been arrested and charged. Those charged include Ottawa residents Roger Egidio, 51, Troy Forbes, 32, Steve Mavis, 55, Calvin Peacock, 34, Andy Jalbert, 36, Gordon Vance, 55, Daniel Simpson, 29, Bouchra Ben-Nassar, 30, William Ouellette, 23, Hyet Mary Jabara, 49, Jacob Beaver, 28, Harlan Nanokeesic, 25, and Chad Brownrigg, 33, as well as Youssouf Bouragba, 22, of Hamond, Ont. Charges against the accused include drug trafficking, possession for the purpose of selling and possession of proceeds under $5,000. Police say arrests and charges are expected to be laid against another 15 people. Anyone with information regarding illicit drug trafficking in the city can contact the Ottawa police at 613-2361222 ext. 7300 or report anonymously at 1-800222-8477.