Category: Lake Helen

(LAKE HELEN, ON) – Members of the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested two individuals for drug trafficking after a search warrant was conducted at a local residence.

On February 18^th, 2026, members of the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the Nipigon OPP and the Anishinabek Police Service (APS) conducted a search warrant at a residence in the First Nation Territory of Lake Helen. During the search police located suspected crack cocaine, methamphetamine pills and Canadian currency valued at $1895.00. The drugs have a combined street value of approximately $11, 250.00.

As a result of this investigation, Amanda BOUCHARD, 46-years of Lake Helen, ON has been arrested and charged with the following Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Criminal Code of Canada offences:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

James NETEMEGESIC, 35-years of Lake Helen, ON has been arrested and charged with the following Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Criminal Code of Canada offences:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

Both accused were remanded into custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay.

Members of the OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(Lake Helen First Nation, ON) – On November 29, 2025, at 11:45 pm, members of the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), with the Lake Helen Police Service, responded to reports of a recreational trailer fire on Lake Helen First Nation. The trailer was occupied at the time; the lone occupant was able to escape with minor injuries.

Following an investigation by the OPP and Lake Helen Police, with assistance from the OPP North West Region Crime Unit, one individual was taken into custody.

As a result, John LINDSTROM-WYNNE, 21, of Lake Helen First Nation, has been charged with:

• Arson – Disregard for Human Life, contrary to Section 433(a) of the Criminal Code.

The accused remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).