Officers seize $360K in drugs after man returns to retrieve stash from bushes: police

A local man faces drug charges after Barrie police say he was spotted placing several packages containing close to eight pounds of cocaine as well as fentanyl into bushes on a residential property.

Police say a nearby homeowner contacted authorities about a "suspicious male" and an investigation was launched. Investigators determined the packages contained a large amount of suspected cocaine, according to police.

Hours later, a male suspect matching the earlier description returned to the area and was arrested when he retrieved the packages.

A 37-year-old Barrie man has been charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and two counts of possession of controlled substance.

In total, police say they seized 3.6 kilograms (7.9 pounds) of suspected cocaine and 50 grams of suspected fentanyl. The seized drugs have an estimated street value of approximately $360,000.

The seized drugs were held pending identification unit analysis prior to submission to Health Canada for analysis.

The accused was held for a bail hearing.