Murders and attempted murders in Chatham-Kent climbed last year as did the amount of illegal drugs taken off the street.
The 2021 annual report going before the Chatham-Kent Police Service Board on Wednesday showed that murders increased from one in 2020 to three last year and attempted murders went from zero to 10 during the same period.
Sexual assault, assault, robbery, weapons offences, and impaired driving also increased. However, break and enters decreased.
Police also said a record $18.6 million worth of illicit drugs were seized during 73 search warrants in 2021. That surpassed the previous record of $11.5 million seized in 2020.
The unit that conducts drug investigations said fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine make up most of the drugs seized. However, officers busted four "sophisticated" illegal marijuana grow operations and removed thousands of mature plants destined to be sold on the black market.
Police also reported 35 illegal guns/prohibited weapons were seized in 2021.
The Major Crime Unit said the reduction in property crimes and break and enters is due mainly to officers keeping a closer eye on serial offenders and people staying home during the pandemic.
Police also said they continue to focus on street level drug use and sales to help identify the main players and limit their negative effect on the community.
Police said there were 17 overdose deaths reported in Chatham-Kent last year.
Sergeant John Deforest, who heads the Drugs/Intelligence Unit, said 2021 was a productive year with several investigations coming to "successful conclusions."
