The Hamilton Police Service Major Drug Unit continues to investigate those distributing the deadly drug fentanyl in our city.

In November of 2024 the Hamilton Police Service Major Drug Unit entered into a drug trafficking investigation involving two residences on the Hamilton Mountain.

On Wednesday December 18, the Hamilton Police Service Major Drug Unit executed two search warrants on these two residences.

Located in one of the homes investigators found the following:

•        676 grams Fentanyl was seized – street value $67,600
•        9L of GHB seized – street value $9,000
•        One CEW (Taser) seized

As a result, the following have been arrested and charged with the following:

1)     ACCUSED: Shantel KOHLER , 32 yrs old of Hamilton

2)     CHARGES:

• CDSA 5(2) – Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• CDSA 5(2) – Possession of GHB for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000
• Possession of Prohibited Weapon (CEW)

1)     ACCUSED: James KRANENDONK , 33 yrs old of Hamilton

2)     CHARGES:

•      CDSA 5(2) – Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
•      CDSA 5(2) – Possession of GHB for the Purpose of Trafficking
•       Possession of Prohibited Weapon (CEW)
•      Possession Contrary to Order (CEW)
•      Fail to Comply with Release Order 
•      C.C. Operate Motor Vehicle While Prohibited 

The accused have been remanded into custody pending a future court date.

If you have any information that you feel will help Police with this investigation, please contact Detective Staff Sergeant Steve Berezuik at 905-546-3887. Additionally, for those who wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit: http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

Hamilton Police are issuing a warning after fentanyl-laced gummies were found during a recent warrant.  These dangerous substances, disguised as candy, pose a serious risk to public health and safety, particularly for youth who may unknowingly consume them.

What to Know:

• Fentanyl is a powerful opioid, up to 100 times stronger than morphine, and even a small amount can cause a fatal overdose.
• The fentanyl-laced gummies resemble regular candy, making them particularly dangerous for children and teens, as well as unsuspecting adults.
• The gummies are often brightly colored and packaged in ways that could easily be mistaken for legitimate, store-bought products.

Warning Signs of Fentanyl Exposure:

• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion or dizziness
• Slow or weak pulse

If you or someone you know displays any of these symptoms after consuming a product resembling gummies or candy, call 911 immediately. Time is critical in preventing a potential overdose.

Hamilton Police urge parents, caregivers, and teachers to be vigilant and speak with children and young adults about the dangers of ingesting unknown substances.

What You Can Do:

• Avoid accepting any candy or edibles from unknown sources.
• Monitor what your children bring home, especially if they have been at parties or events.
• Share this warning with friends and family to raise awareness.

Fentanyl is highly potent and unpredictable. Even a small amount can be deadly.

For those who wish to provide information anonymously, please consider reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at Crime Stoppers Hamilton's Website.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and thank you for your continued support in keeping our community safe.