Woodstock, ON – The Woodstock Police Service (WPS) continues to respond to community concerns regarding open-air drug use in the downtown core.
On August 19, 2026, members of the WPS Street Crime Unit and Uniform Patrol conducted targeted enforcement in the downtown area in response to concerns from residents, businesses and community members.
At approximately 10:25 a.m., officers observed a female consuming drugs in a public area. A 45-year-old Woodstock woman was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance
Drug paraphernalia was seized, and the accused was released on an Appearance Notice with a future court date.
At approximately 10:45 a.m., officers arrested a 45-year-old man after observing him engaged in drug consumption. He was charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Other Drugs
Drug paraphernalia was also seized, and the accused was released on an Appearance Notice.
At approximately 10:52 a.m., officers observed another male actively using drugs in the area. A 44-year-old man was arrested, and a subsequent search resulted in the seizure of suspected drugs. He was charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Opioid
The accused was released on an Undertaking.
As a result of the enforcement initiative, officers seized approximately 33.1 grams of suspected fentanyl, $467.60 in Canadian currency, and multiple pipes and other drug paraphernalia.
The Woodstock Police Service recognizes that substance use, and addiction are complex issues that require both enforcement and community-based supports. However, open-air drug use can create significant public safety concerns, particularly in areas frequented by residents, businesses, families and vulnerable members of the community.
WPS will continue to respond to complaints involving public drug consumption and drug trafficking and will take appropriate enforcement action where grounds exist. Enforcement efforts are focused on maintaining safe and accessible public spaces while disrupting the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs within the community.
The Woodstock Police Service would like to encourage anyone with information about this investigation to contact the Woodstock Police Service at 519-537-2323 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).