Eight people have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation called, Project ‘Amalie.’
(Today’s Northumberland has reached out to Cobourg Police why it was called “Project Amalie?”)
Over the last several months, the Cobourg Police Service (CPS) Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Bail Support team and the Port Hope Police Service, initiated an investigation into a person breaching bail by trafficking schedule I substances to the Town of Cobourg and the surrounding areas.
On the morning of April 22, 2025, CPS with the assistance of the OPP Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad, OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP K9, OPP Bail Support Team, Port Hope Police Service, Belleville Police Service K9 Unit, and Belleville Police Service Emergency Response Unit, executed three Controlled Drug and Substances Act search warrants in Cobourg, Port Hope and Bowmanville, Ontario.
As a result, police seized the following:
• Two loaded handguns
• Two replica firearms
• Approximately 391 grams of cocaine
• Opioid pills
• Approximately $75,000 in Canadian Currency
• Offence-related property, including two vehicles and jewelry with a combined value of approximately
$115,000
As a result of the investigation, eight individuals were taken into custody, and a total of 41 charges were laid.
The approximate street value of the drugs seized is $40,000.
Kevin PACHECO (25) of Bowmanville was arrested and charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of a Schedule II substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possession of proceeds of crime, over $5,000.00
• Five counts of Failure to comply with release order
Danielle GIRARD (35) of Cobourg was arrested and charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Cody PUFFER (35) of Cobourg was arrested and charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possession of proceeds of crime, under $5000.00
• Possess firearm contrary to prohibition order
• Four counts of failing to comply with probation order
Ashley FENTON (31) of Cobourg was arrested and charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possess firearm contrary to prohibition order
• Two counts of Failing to comply with release order
Mathew GONCALVES (42) of Cobourg was arrested and charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Failure to comply with undertaking
Matthew LEBOLD (33) of Cobourg was arrested and charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Jason URBINA (23) of Aurora was arrested and charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possess firearm contrary to prohibition order
Two of the accused were on release orders for previous firearm and drug related offences. All accused were held for a bail hearing.
Additionally, the Port Hope Police Service arrested and charged Ryan DOMROES (45) of Port Hope with
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or visiting stopcrimehere.ca. Tips received through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
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
