Officers seize suspected cocaine, fentanyl, crack, oxycodone and cash

By NetNewsLedger Staff
Category: Regional Crime Updates
Date: November 17, 2025

DRYDEN, Ont. — A traffic stop by the Dryden OPP has resulted in drug-trafficking related charges against three people, including two youths.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, shortly after 3:00 p.m. CST, officers stopped a vehicle on Albert Street. With assistance from the Dryden OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and as part of an ongoing trafficking investigation, police say they seized suspected cocaine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, oxycodone pills, Canadian currency, and drug-related paraphernalia.

The Accused and Charges

Desan GRANT-MARTIN, 20, of Orangeville

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine (CDSA s.5(2))

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — other drugs (CDSA s.5(2))

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime — over $5,000 (Criminal Code s.354; s.355(a))

• Failure to comply with release order (Criminal Code s.145(5)(a))
  Status: Held in custody; court date: Nov. 19, 2025 (Ontario Court of Justice, Dryden)

A 16-year-old youth from Toronto (identity protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act — YCJA)

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine (CDSA s.5(2))

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — other drugs (CDSA s.5(2))

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime — over $5,000 (CC s.354; s.355(a))

• Failure to comply with release order (CC s.145(5)(a))
  Status: Held in custody; court date: Nov. 17, 2025

A 13-year-old youth from Toronto (identity protected under the YCJA)

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine (CDSA s.5(2))

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — other drugs (CDSA s.5(2))

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime — over $5,000 (CC s.354; s.355(a))

• Failure to comply with release order (CC s.145(5)(a))
  Status: Held in custody; court date: Nov. 28, 2025

All accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

What These Charges Mean — and Potential Penalties Upon Conviction

Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (CDSA s.5(2))

Plain language: Allegation of possessing Schedule I drugs (e.g., cocaine, fentanyl, meth, oxycodone) to sell, distribute, or otherwise traffic.
Maximum penalty (adult): Life imprisonment (indictable). Parliament has repealed prior mandatory minimums for most drug offences, so sentencing depends on facts (drug type/quantity, role in the scheme, weapons, trafficking to youth, prior record, rehabilitation). Courts often impose prohibition orders (e.g., weapons bans) and forfeiture of offence-related property.

Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime — over $5,000 (Criminal Code s.354; s.355(a))

Plain language: Possessing money or property knowing (or being reckless as to whether) it was gained through crime.
Maximum penalty (adult): 10 years’ imprisonment (indictable). If proceeded summarily, the ceiling is 2 years less a day and/or a fine. Sentences rise with proof of organized activity or large sums.

Failure to comply with release order (Criminal Code s.145(5)(a))

Plain language: Breaching conditions set by a court (e.g., curfew, non-contact, keep the peace).
Maximum penalty (adult): Hybrid offence — up to 2 years’ imprisonment if indictable, or 2 years less a day and/or a fine if summary. Multiple breaches and public-safety risks are aggravating.

Special note for youth matters (ages 12–17) — YCJA

• Publication ban: Identities are protected by law.

• Youth sentencing: Emphasizes accountability, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Custody is possible, but youth sentences are generally shorter than adult terms and often include probation, community programs, and supervision.

• Adult sentence: The Crown may seek an adult sentence only in limited circumstances (e.g., serious violent offences) and must apply to the court. Drug offences without violence are typically sentenced under the YCJA.

Call for Information

Anyone with information about drug trafficking in Dryden is asked to contact Dryden OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit crimestoppers.ca.