Police are looking for a possible link between a deadly drug overdose and the arrests of three people in in Barrie and Innisfil.
On April 9, an Alcona man in his 20s died of what police believe to be a fentanyl overdose.
Four days later, South Simcoe Police searched a home in Innisfil, where they arrested a 23-year-old man and found what they believe to be oxycodone and fentanyl.
The search led police to 55-year-old taxi driver Tahir Ali and 23-year-old Jade Clark. They were arrested on April 28 in Barrie. All three face charges of drug possession and trafficking.
Police believe the three suspects used Ali’s cab as a front to sell drugs. Court documents show Ali and Clark live at the same address.
“The man was operating a cab, however when our officers were conducting surveillance on him, he didn't pick up any fares at all,” says South Simcoe Police Const. Rich Williamson.
Records show Ali last drove for Barrie taxi in 2016. The company says he left Barrie Taxi after failing to pay his fees.
“I believe he was an independent cab. In this case, he was contacting people and people were contacting him.”
Police are looking at any possible connection between the trio and the Alcona man's death.
“The stakes are high. Trafficking a narcotic where there's a suggestion or allegation that one of your purchasers has died takes this to a whole new level,” says Angela McLeod, a Barrie criminal defence specialist and lawyer, who does not represent the accused.
The Crown pushed for bail to be denied, but Ali has been released on $20,000 bail under strict house arrest conditions.
Two of the accused are expected to be in court in early June.
