Police have arrested nine people and seized a quantity of drugs valued at more than $5 million in a two-province investigation that included a man with alleged ties to the Hells Angels.
The arrests, seven in Cambridge and two in Newfoundland, were made Friday, the culmination of a four-month joint investigation involving Waterloo Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
"These types of investigations are very sophisticated," said Insp. Greg Lamport, spokesperson for Waterloo Regional Police. "We're dealing with organized crime, so it does take a lot of hours."
Police said Hells Angels member Larry Chaves, 32, of Cambridge, was among those arrested. He is charged with trafficking marijuana and cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking, marijuana production and conspiracy to traffic.
Chaves was arrested at a home on Acorn Way, a quiet, suburban street.
"My neighbourhood is perfect," said David Araujo, who lived down the street from Chaves. "Even the person who was arrested was a very nice person."
Araujo said he saw the occasional biker swing by, but he never thought much of it. Chaves used to stop by for the occasional beer if Araujo was working in his garage. He said he never saw anything suspicious. "He was a perfect neighbour."
A 2007 Waterloo Region Record article described a man named Larry Chaves, then 27, as having "hangaround" status with the Hells Angels. Friday's arrests also included Julie Chaves, 36, at the same Cambridge address.
Lamport said Friday's arrests reinforce the need to be vigilant in efforts to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. While the Hells Angels might not be as visibly active in the region as they were once, Lamport said they remain a concern.
"They're an active group with membership in Waterloo Region," he said.
As part of the operation, police executed search warrants in and around Kitchener, Cambridge and New Hamburg.
Police recovered five kilograms of cocaine, with a street value estimated at $5 million, 1.36 kilograms of marijuana, valued at $13,000, three vehicles, and $132,000 in cash. Police also destroyed three hydroponic growing operations, seizing another 263 marijuana plants worth $263,000.
Lamport called the results of the investigation significant.
Five other people arrested were from Cambridge. Their charges include conspiracy to traffic and possession of drugs.
They include Meng Troeung, 40; Brian Galway, 40; Colleen Galway, 41; Rita Galway, 62; and Patrick Ezekeil, 56.
Two others, not from the region, were also charged: Scott Hutchings, 41, and Jocelyn Dunn. Police are still seeking three other people in connection with the case.
All of the accused will appear in Kitchener court.
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