(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Northumberland-Peterborough South David Piccini said he was “shocked” when he read the press release on Friday that two drug warrants seized over $300,000 of illegal drugs from two area of Cobourg including at 310 Division/Transition House.
“It was quite shocking,” said Piccini.
“I had to take a double look.”
On November 13, 2025, and November 14, 2025, as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking occurring in Cobourg, Cobourg and Port Hope Police Service executed a Controlled Drugs Substances Act search warrant at a residence on Margaret Street and a unit within 310 Division Street.
Two Cobourg residents are facing a variety of criminal charges after an estimated $320,000 worth of illegal drugs was seized following both search warrants.
Drugs seized included:
472 grams of fentanyl
30 grams of cocaine
46 grams of crystal methamphetamine
12 grams of morphine
Oxycodone tablets
40 grams of psilocybin
Canadian Currency
Multiple cellphones
Packaging and cooking materials
“To think someone living in some sort of subsidized housing or shelter has over $300,000 worth of street drugs in their possession is an affront to taxpayers.”
Piccini states that both the accused are innocent until proven guilty.
“At this point they are allegations.”
Piccini said he will be contacting the Minister of Housing along with Northumberland County partners looking into a number of factors including if the suspect/s are being given money from Ontario Works or ODSP.
“Imagine someone in that vulnerable population whose dealing cocaine, fentanyl and other heavy drugs – that’s wrong.”
Piccini would also like to know if the suspects are living off of Ontario Works or ODSP.
“This is wrong – we’ve got an obligation to look after the most vulnerable, but that doesn’t mean turning a blind eye when these sorts of heinous acts take place. Innocent until proven guilty, but this speaks to an issue I think we have a responsibility to look at.”
With the total amount seized over $300,000 Piccini said it raises the question – “why are you in a shelter?”
“You’re taking a spot of someone who is vulnerable and who needs that.”
If the suspects are found guilty, “I don’t think they should be accessing these sorts of social services if they are going to spend those dollars on illicit drugs and be preying on the most vulnerable.”
“Someone who has the where-with-all to be in the possession of those sorts of drugs, I submit knows what they are doing and is calculated and it’s in a very vulnerable setting. There are a lot of people right now struggling and people who need support.”
Piccini also added that he is very grateful for both Cobourg and Port Hope Police in their efforts to keep the community safe.
Today’s Northumberland also reached out to Northumberland County for comment about the search warrant at 310 Division/Transition House.
“Over November 13th and 14th, police executed search warrants in the community including at a transitional housing unit located at 310 Division Street. Transitional housing units in this facility are separate from homeless shelter services, with units governed by an occupancy agreement. Every occupant signs a ‘Crime-Free Addendum’ as part of this agreement. The County awaits further information as this matter moves through the justice system
With respect to general process, there are parameters for eviction within the occupancy agreement for transitional housing units.
Beyond that, the County would not comment on the specific details of any individual’s tenancy.”
Both suspects were held for bail.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
