9 arrested in Waterloo drug bust Thursday

Nine people are facing drug and firearms charges after Waterloo regional police executed a search warrant in Waterloo Thursday evening.

Officers attended a residence on Columbia Street W., where Superintendent Darryl Goetzsaid police found numerous controlled substancesincluding suspected carfentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine, hydromorphone and meth.

As well, a number of firearms were seized including a loaded rifle, rounds of ammunition, crossbow and replica firearms.

Goetz said police became concerned because the location is on the edge of the two universities.

"Anytime we get any information about drug dealingor weapons around any school it goes to the top of our list to address," Goetz said.

"We're sending a message:If you want to do these kind of activities around our youth, you're going to come to our attention and we're going to comeafter you."

Supt. Goetz saidseven men and two women were arrested yesterday. Two other people connected to the investigation were arrested at a previous date.

The suspected carfentanil will be sent to Health Canada for testing.