Two charged in $76,000 fentanyl and “date rape drug” bust in Hamilton

Two face charges after a drug bust in Hamilton discovered more than $76,000 worth of fentanyl and a “date rape drug.”

Hamilton Police launched an investigation into two homes on Hamilton Mountain in November. This culminated in a raid on the home on Dec. 18.

During these raids, police report the discovery of:

• 676 grams of fentanyl
• nine litres of gamma hydroxybutyrate (otherwise known as GHB), and
• one taser

Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid with a fatal dose of a fraction of a gram. While used medically for the treatment of extreme pain (such as post-surgical or end-of-life cancer care), illicit fentanyl has flooded the Canadian drug market in the past several years.

The drug is roughly 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin. Its potency and common use in street drugs have led to an epidemic of overdoses across North America.

The other drug discovered, GHB, also has medical use in the treatment of narcolepsy, a severe sleep disorder. On the street it is commonly used to spike drinks as a “date rape” drug as it is flavourless and odourless.

GHB results in a relaxed, euphoric and inebriated state. Heavy doses can result in slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, and vomiting among other symptoms. Like fentanyl it is very easy to overdose on, particularly when mixed with alcohol, resulting in coma and possible seizures.

Investigators estimate the fentanyl has a street value of about $67,600 while the GHB is worth about $9,000.

Two people were arrested during the raids:

• Shantel Kohler, 32 of Hamilton
  • possession of fentanyl for trafficking
  • possession of GHB for trafficking
  • possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000
  • possession of a prohibited weapon
• James Kranendonk, 33 of Hamilton
  • possession of fentanyl for trafficking
  • possession of GHB for trafficking
  • possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000
  • possession of a prohibited weapon
  • possession of a prohibited weapon in violation of a court order
  • failure to comply with a release order
  • driving while prohibited

Both will remain in custody over the holidays until a bail hearing. Anyone with information can call police at 905-546-3887 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).