Hamilton Police have shut down an open air drug market operating at King St East and East Avenue in Hamilton after a five week project.

Over the past few years, the area surrounding King and East has been the subject of numerous community complaints because of drug dealing and petty crime. This was a sophisticated operation that preyed on multiple vulnerable people as part of its operation. The market appeared to be run like a business, with multiple roles and shift changes. Roles included look outs, runners and drug traffickers.

Hamilton Police Inspector Jim Callender emphasized the importance of targeting local open-air drug markets. “These markets have an impact on the surrounding community, fostering feelings of insecurity, increasing the risk of crime and deterring businesses and residents from fully engaging with the area. By addressing these issues, we aim to restore safety and rebuild trust in the affected neighbourhoods.”

Hamilton Police also worked closely with the City of Hamilton to address environmental concerns that were making the area more attractive for drug activities since it was concealed from Main Street. This included removing fencing that provided cover, installing new fencing to restrict access and enhancing lighting to improve visibility.

There are also indications that the operation worked within current legislation to ensure everyone involved carried small amounts of drugs to ensure they would not be held in custody if they were caught with illegal substances.

“During this operation, we confiscated over $12,000 dollars in coins, highlighting just how significant this issue is on our community. We’ve seen individuals panhandling, only to immediately purchase drugs with the money they collect. It’s a tragic cycle where people exploit and capitalize on the struggles of those battling addiction,” said Inspector Callender.

Over the course of the project, 57 people were arrested and 103 charges laid. During the project, 11 of the 57 subjects were rearrested at least once and three of the 11 were arrested three times. The following substances were seized:

• 45 grams of crack cocaine
• 116 grams of cannabis
• 81 grams of methamphetamine
• 118 grams of fentanyl

It is believed the operation was run by Vincent Asanti, who was arrested for CDSA 5(2) cocaine and proceeds over $5,000. A total of $51,351.90 was seized from Asanti’s residences and vehicle. 

Many of these activities took place in a nearby local park and across the street from an elementary school. Hamilton Police continue to enforce these illegal activities and encourage the community if they see something, say something.

If you have any additional information that could help in this investigation, please call at 905-546-4725. To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 of submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com