A Woodstock police officer displays the narcotics and cash seized in raids in Woodstock and Kitchener.  Photo courtesy of Woodstock police. A Woodstock police officer displays the narcotics and cash seized in raids in Woodstock and Kitchener. Photo courtesy of Woodstock police.
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Pharmacist Charged In Woodstock Drug Bust

A pharmacist is among three people charged after an investigation by Woodstock police into the selling of prescription narcotics.

What police are calling a "lengthy investigation" resulted in searches of homes in Kitchener and Woodstock and the arrests of three people. Officers seized fentanyl, hydromorpohone, morphine, nabilone, and oxycodone. It's estimated the drugs are worth $35,000 on the street. Police also seized $3,000 in Canadian cash.

Yogesh Patel, 46, a pharmacist working in Woodstock but living in Kitchener, is charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime.

William Minton, 41, of Woodstock is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a restricted weapon.

Becky Staples, 41, of Woodstock is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Woodstock police say the abuse of opiates are having a devastating effect on both individuals and the community, with fentanyl-related overdoses on the rise.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Woodstock police.

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