Pet raccoon found during drug search of tent in Hamilton

Police found a pet raccoon during a search for drugs in a tent in Hamilton.

After receiving complaints about a person suspected of dealing drugs and in possession of a firearm, police executed a search warrant on a tent in Montgomery Park, Hamilton Police said.

Officers searched the tent shortly after 6 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, police said. The tent was equipped with a generator, TV, and secure safe, police added.

Police said they seized cash and a quantity of drugs.

A pet raccoon was roaming around the inside of the tent, police said.

A man was arrested nearby.

Matthew Campbell-Lewis, 36, from Hamilton faces drug charges related to fentanyl, hydromorphone and methamphetamine; and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000; possession of prohibited weapons — switchblades and ammunition, police said.

City of Hamilton Animal Services were contacted to take the raccoon.

Campbell-Lewis is also facing charges for keeping a prohibited animal in accordance with a city bylaw.

Anyone with information related to this investigation should call 905-546-2907. Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or on Crime Stoppers Hamilton’s website to provide information anonymously,