In early September of 2021, as part of an ongoing enhanced enforcement strategy targeting illegal drug
activity affecting Northumberland County and the safety of our citizens, the Cobourg Police Service and the
Port Hope Police Service commenced a drug investigation.
On Thursday, September 16, 2021, members of the Cobourg Police Service Criminal Investigations Branch and
Port Hope Criminal Investigations Branch arrested two men and a woman as they exited a vehicle in a parking
lot in Port Hope. Two accused were arrested without incident. One man ran from police but was quickly taken
into custody and found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol with a laser sight
attached to it.
As a result of this investigation and search of the vehicle, police seized a quantity of suspected Fentanyl,
Cocaine and Crystal Methamphetamine.
Deopaul BANESWARIE, 23 years old of Brampton is charged with:
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Fentanyl) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Contrary to Section
5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Contrary to Section 5(2)
of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Contrary to
Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 – contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle – contrary to section 94(1) of the Criminal
Code
Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition – contrary to section 95(1) of the
Criminal Code
Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized – contrary to section 92(1)(a) of the of
the Criminal Code
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm – contrary to section 91(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
Carry Concealed Weapon – contrary to section 90(1) of the Criminal Code
Careless Use of a Firearm – contrary to section 86(1) of the Criminal Code
Nicholas PERSAUD, 21 years old of Mississauga is charged with:
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Fentanyl) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Contrary to Section
5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Contrary to Section 5(2)
of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Contrary to
Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Lisa PERSAUD, 21 years old of Toronto is charged with:
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Fentanyl) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Contrary to Section
5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Contrary to Section 5(2)
of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Contrary to
Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 – contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
All three accused were held for a bail hearing on Friday, September 17, 2021.
The Cobourg Police Service (CPS) continues to take significant and proactive measures to ensure the safety and
wellbeing of all residents. CPS has increased efforts in response to community concerns and crime trends in key
areas of Cobourg, working closely with all community partners to ensure that our neighbourhoods and
downtown remain safe and welcoming for everyone to enjoy.
Police seized approximately 36 grams of Cocaine, 27 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine and 52 grams of
Fentanyl. This is the largest seizure of Fentanyl in Cobourg Police Service history. The Fentanyl represents
5,200 individual uses that could have potentially caused as many drug poisonings.
The total potential street value of the seized drugs is $27,600.
Police also seized over $800 in cash, weigh scales and cell phones.
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
