Here’s the latest from the Ottawa Police…
On February 27th, The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) charged a 34-year-old man with human trafficking-related offences. An investigation by the OPS Human Trafficking Unit began in November 2025, involving a female victim for offences between May 2022 and February 2026. 34-year-old Christopher EXUME of Ottawa has been charged with; Trafficking in persons, Procuring, Advertising another person for sexual services, Sexual assault and sexual interference. Christopher EXUME remains in custody, however investigators believe that there are other victims of human trafficking related to this investigation. Considering victims may not know the legal name of their offender, EXUME is alleged to have used the alias of ‘Z’ and ‘Zo.’ The OPS is also taking the extra step of publicly releasing a photo of the accused, available at the cited link. The Human Trafficking Unit will respect victims’ wishes whether to pursue criminal charges, and regardless, can offer resources to support survivors of human trafficking.
On February 23rd, at approximately 10:56 a.m., the Ottawa Police Service seized a firearm and multiple Schedule I drugs following proactive enforcement. Members of the Centretown Neighbourhood Resource Team were conducting proactive patrols in response to community concerns when they initiated a traffic stop on Booth and Rochester streets. The traffic stop led to the arrest of two individuals: an adult man and a youth. A loaded firearm and quantities of fentanyl, hydromorphone and oxycodone were seized, and the vehicle was towed. Both individuals were charged with various offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. The youth was additionally charged with two counts of possession of a prohibited firearm contrary to the Criminal Code. The investigation is continuing by the OPS Drug Unit.
On March 2nd, The Ottawa Police Service laid charges in connection with a daytime armed robbery that occurred at a jewelry store in the Glebe on January 16, 2025. Following an investigation by the OPS Robbery Unit, 35-year-old Andrew Smyth has been charged with; Robbery with an Offensive Weapon, Possess Weapon with Purpose to Commit an Offence, Have Face Masked, Mischief exceeding $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, and Fail to Comply with Order. Additionally, 34-year-old Mark George has been charged with; Robbery with an Offensive Weapon, Have Face Masked, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence. The OPS thanks the public for its assistance with this investigation.
