Category: Thunder Bay

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

$77,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Three individuals have been arrested and charged following a drug investigation within Northwest region.

On March 25th, 2025, members of the Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit, assisted by the Bail Support Team, and Thunder Bay OPP Detachment arrested three individuals at a hotel in Thunder Bay. The arrests were the result of an ongoing drug investigation within Northwest region.

As a result of a search in the investigation, officers seized the following items:

·      450 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine

·      67 grams of suspected cocaine

·      58 grams of suspected Fentanyl

·      34 suspected hydromorphone pills

·      95 suspected Oxycodone pills

·      A Glock .45 calibre handgun with ammunition

·      Indicia of drug trafficking

The approximate street value of the seized drugs in the Northwest region is $77,000.

Louis MALETTE 45-years old of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – hydromorphone

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

·      Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, or prohibited device or ammunition

·      Unauthorized possession of a firearm or restricted firearm

·      Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm or ammo

·      Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

Ashley WALLICK 40-years old of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – hydromorphone

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

·      Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, or prohibited device or ammunition

·      Unauthorized possession of a firearm or restricted firearm

·      Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm or ammo

Eugene WANAKAMIK 38-years old of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – hydromorphone

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

·      Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, or prohibited device or ammunition

·      Unauthorized possession of a firearm or restricted firearm

·      Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm or ammo

All accused parties were held for bail and remanded to the Thunder Bay District Jail and Correctional Center. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay at a later date.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal possession and trafficking of drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Crime Stoppers tips can also be submitted on-line at www.tipshelp.com.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Fatal Collision

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision.

On the 24th of March 2025, shortly after 7:30 p.m., officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on Highway 11/17 at Sistonen’s Corners.

As a result, one person has been pronounced deceased on scene.

The OPP North West Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team and OPP Collision Re-Constructionists are assisting in the investigation. Highway 11/17 will remain closed between highway 130 and highway 102 during this time, follow Ontario 511 for any updates on road closures.

Traffic safety remains a top priority of the OPP and is a key component of the OPP’s public safety mandate. Investigations resulting in the loss of life and serious injuries can be complex to investigate. As the vast majority of collisions are preventable, thorough and accurate investigations help ensure that motorists who cause these collisions are held accountable for their driving behaviours. The victims and their families deserve no less. 

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm – George SPADE Arrested

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Members of the Thunder Bay Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began an investigation into an allegation of a sexual assault that occurred in Collins First Nation between 1978 and 1988.

As a result of this investigation, George SPADE, 61-years-old of Thunder Bay, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:

·       Gross Indecency

·       Indecent Assault on Female

·       Sexual Assault

·       Sexual Assault cause bodily harm

Police are requesting anyone who may have additional information or believes that they were a victim of a similar circumstance to contact the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you need support or know someone that does, there are local resources here to help. You can visit the Victim Services of Thunder Bay and Area website at www.tbayvictimservices.ca for assistance. If you are in an immediate crisis, call 9-1-1.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Drug Bust – Names Released

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Two people are facing multiple charges after a two-month drug trafficking investigation conducted by the Thunder Bay Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) of the Ontario Provincial Police.

On March 5, 2025, members of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) with the assistance of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Thunder Bay.  

Police seized suspected cocaine, oxycodone, methamphetamine, MDMA, hydromorphone, clonazepam, morphine, buprenorphine, methylphenidate, diazepam and Canadian Currency. The approximate street value of the drugs seized is $32,000.00.

As a result of the investigation the following individuals have been charged:

Daniel HERNESHUHTA, 33-years-old of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been charged under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Opioid x3
  • Possession of a Schedule IV Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 – In Canada
  • Failure to Comply with Release order x4
  • Possession of an identity document

The accused was held for a bail hearing and was remanded into custody.

Cody DEGAGNE-LUSIGNAN, 31-years-old of Atikokan, Ontario has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Other Drug

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on the 16th of April 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Any person with information regarding the illegal possession and trafficking of drugs should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Jason SAMPLE Facing Drug & Weapons Charges

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – A Thunder Bay resident is facing 14 charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), including charges relating to possession of a loaded firearm with an altered serial number.

In January 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) began an investigation into drug trafficking activity in Thunder Bay. On February 4, 2025, members from PGNG including the OPP, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) and Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) as well as the Thunder Bay OPP and the OPP Community Street Crime Unit in Thunder Bay, arrested an individual suspected of drug trafficking at a location on Arthur Street West. The individual attempted to resist arrest but was apprehended without further incident. The accused had two outstanding warrants issued by the OPP and TBPS for several previous offences.

A search of personal items of the accused led to the seizure of the following:

  •         A loaded firearm with an altered serial number
  •         Approximately 11 grams of suspected cocaine
  •         Approximately 7 grams of suspected crack cocaine
  •         $2,590 in Canadian currency
  •         Two digital scales
  •         Two cell phones

Jason SAMPLE, age 41 of Thunder Bay, has been charged with the following 14 CC and CDSA offences:

  •         Resisting arrest
  •         Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  •         Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  •         Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
  •         Possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number has been defaced
  •         Careless storage of a firearm
  •         Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
  •         Possession of a firearm contrary to prohibition order
  •         Carrying a concealed weapon
  •         Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition
  •         Breach of release order
  •         Breach of undertaking
  •         Possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on February 26, 2025.

The OPP would like to thank TBPS, NAPS and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for their continued support of the PGNG program.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Melanie WAKEFIELD – Drunk Driving

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – A single motor vehicle collision ended with criminal charges for an impaired driver. 

On February 2nd, 2025, shortly after 10:00 p.m., a member of the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended a call for service for a vehicle that had driven off the road into the ditch within the Balsam off-ramp along Highway 11-17.

Investigation determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol, and an approved screening device (ASD) test was administered. The driver failed the test and was arrested and transported to the Thunder Bay Detachment where additional breath testing was completed.    

Located outside of the driver’s side door was a bottle of Banff Ice Vodka, which was seized by officers, as pictured below.

Melanie WAKEFIELD, 40-years-old, from Thunder Bay is charged criminally with:

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused had her driver’s licence suspended and the vehicle was impounded. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Thunder Bay Ontario Court of Justice on March 12, 2025, to answer to the criminal charges.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

2 Charged Following Collision

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On January 30th, 2025, at approximately 7:05 p.m., members of the Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision along Highway 61 near Loch Lomond, outside of the City of Thunder Bay.

As a result of the investigation, two individuals have been charged:

Etan PERIARD, 19-years-old, of Thunder Bay, has been charged under the Highway Traffic Act with:

• Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform stunt;

Travis FRASER, 31 years-old, of Thunder Bay, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

• Dangerous operation;

Both individuals were released with court dates to present themselves in front of the Ontario Court of Justice to speak to said charges.

If you have any information about the above incident & would like to provide details, please call the Thunder Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) & reference the police incident # E250123791

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report impaired, aggressive or careless driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Meth Bust – Names Released

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – An investigation led by the Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), has led to charges being laid against five individuals.

On Wednesday, January 15th, 2025, members of the Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit with the assistance of the Thunder Bay Detachment and east-side CSCU members, Thunder Bay Police Service Emergency Task Unit (ETU), Northwest Region Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP K9 unit, Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE), and Bail Safety Team executed a warrant in the city of Thunder Bay. This was the result of a months-long investigation into drug trafficking throughout the region. Officers seized cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, weigh scales and currency from this residence. 3 individuals were arrested and charged.

Later in the day, members of ROPE conducted a traffic stop and arrested another suspect in the investigation for outstanding warrants. The driver and passenger were arrested and charged, and a quantity of cocaine, currency, and a pistol magazine were found in the vehicle they were operating.

On Thursday, January 16th, 2025, Thunder Bay CSCU, assisted by TBPS ETU and members of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), executed another warrant at a residence in Thunder Bay. Officers seized a quantity of crystal methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and 2 rifles from the residence.

As a result of the investigation, the following evidence was seized:

•                 142.18g of cocaine

•                 305g of methamphetamine

•                 1 handgun & ammunition

•                 2 rifles

•                 Scales, baggies, etc., and other evidence of drug trafficking

As a result of the investigation, five individuals have been charged.

Joe ROBINSON, a 22-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged with:

·      Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 3 contrary to the Criminal Code

·      Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition x3 contrary to the Criminal Code

·      Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition x3 contrary to the Criminal Code

·      Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose contrary to the Criminal Code

·      Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo contrary to the Criminal Code

·      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Matthew VILLENEUVE, a 22-year-old from Atikokan, Ontario has been arrested and charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

·      Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose contrary to the Criminal Code

·      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code

Jeremy BERTIN, a 44-year-old from Calgary, Alberta has been arrested and charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

·      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code

·      Failure to comply with release order, contrary to the Criminal Code x2

Ashley BROWN, a 38-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

·      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code

Charlene KOWAL, a 64-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

·      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code

All individuals were remanded into custody and have a future bail court hearing.

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).

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

1.7 Kilos Of Cocaine Seized

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – A resident of East Gwillimbury and three others are facing charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) after nearly two kilograms of suspected cocaine was seized in connection with a drug trafficking investigation in Thunder Bay.

On December 10, 2024, three search warrants were executed at residences in Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG), OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Community Street Crime Unit, Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Emergency Task Unit and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS). The Toronto Police Service Drug Squad also assisted with this investigation.

As a result of the search warrants, police seized:

  •       1.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine
  •       $257,000 in Canadian currency
  •       Four cell phones
  •       Three digital scales
  •       One laptop computer

The estimated street-value of the drugs seized is $170,000.

Malcolm PARCHMENT, age 30 of East Gwillimbury, Philip ARPIN, age 62 of Thunder Bay, April ARPIN age 43 of Thunder Bay and Lauritz PAJAMAKI, age 70 of Kakabeka Falls have each been charged with the following two offences under the CC and CDSA:

  •       Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  •       Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

One of the accused remains in custody and the other three accused were released. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on various dates.

The OPP would like to thank TBPS, NAPS and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for their support of the PGNG program.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

$120,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

Five people have been charged after police seized drugs and a loaded handgun following a search of a south side residence.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Intelligence Unit and Emergency Task Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Donald Street East on the afternoon of Thursday, January 2.

Police seized quantities of suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl. The estimated street value of the seized drugs exceeds $120,000. Officers also seized a firearm, cash totalling more than $13,000 and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Michelle BENOIT, 39, of Thunder Bay; Delmar FLETCHER, 19, of Scarborough; Trevor HOFFMANN, 21, of Scarborough, a 17-year-old from Bradford, and a 15-year-old from Toronto are charged with the following:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (fentanyl)
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5,000
• Careless Storage of a Firearm
• Possession of Loaded Prohibited Firearm
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon
• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

BENOIT is also charged with Breach of Judicial Release Order. The 15-year-old is also charged with Possession of Prohibited Firearm Contrary to Order x2, Breach of Judicial Release Order, Breach of Peace Bond, and Breach of Probation x2. The 17-year-old is also charged with Breach of Peace Bond x2.

The accused appeared in court on Friday.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Location

Thunder Bay

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

MEAWASIGE – Drunk Driving

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – A routine traffic stop for a suspended driver ended with criminal charges for an impaired driver. 

On December 17, 2024, shortly after 10:30 am, a member of the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after receiving an Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) hit that the registered owner was suspended. 

Investigation determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol, and an approved screening device (ASD) test was administered. The driver failed the test and was arrested and transported to the Thunder Bay Detachment where additional breath testing was completed.    

Leon MEAWASIGE, 41-years-old, from Thunder Bay is charged criminally with:

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused was also charged with:

·      Operate a motor vehicle without insurance – contrary to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act

·      Driving while under suspension – contrary to the Highway Traffic Act

The accused had his driver’s licence suspended and the vehicle was impounded. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Thunder Bay Ontario Court of Justice on January 22, 2025, to answer to the criminal charges.

This year’s Festive RIDE Campaign runs from November 21, 2024 to January 1, 2025. Citizens are reminded to do their part during the campaign by never driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs, and never letting anyone else drive if you know or suspect that they have consumed either.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

WALLICK Was Arrested

(ATIKOKAN, ON) – A single vehicle rollover collision resulted in criminal charges for an impaired driver.  

On December 11, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, the Atikokan Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single vehicle roll-over collision on Highway 11 approximately 10 km east of Atikokan.  

Investigation determined that alcohol was a factor in the collision and an approved screening device test was administered. The driver failed the test and was arrested and transported to the Atikokan Detachment where additional breath testing was completed by way of demand.     

Michael WALLICK, 47-years-old, from Thunder Bay is charged criminally with one count of impaired operation alcohol or drug and one count of impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 milligrams and over.

The accused had his driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Atikokan Ontario Court of Justice on January 30, 2025, to answer to the charges.

This year’s Festive RIDE Campaign runs from November 21, 2024 to January 1, 2025. Citizens are reminded to do their part during the campaign by never driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs, and never letting anyone else drive if you know or suspect that they have consumed either.  

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

3 Arrested – Stolen Vehicle Recovered

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On 3 November 2024, at approximately 1:19pm, officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were advised of a Theft of gas from a business on Highway 102.

Officers located and stopped the vehicle, a black 2019 Ford Mustang GT. The driver provided false information of their identity. Investigation found the vehicle had been stolen from Winnipeg, Manitoba. A quantity of suspected controlled substance was also located in the vehicle.

D SINGH DAMANJEET, 30 of Winnipeg Manitoba is charged with:

  • Possession of a controlled substance contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act 4(1).
  • HTA 32(1) Drive motor vehicle – no licence contrary to the Highway Traffic Act 4(1)
  • HTA 106(2) Driver – fail to properly wear seat belt contrary to the Highway Traffic Act 106(2)
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code 354(1)(a)
  • Personation with Intent (Identity Fraud) contrary to the Criminal Code 403(1)
  • Theft Under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code 334(b)

A SINGH KUSHWANT, 31 of Winnipeg Manitoba is charged with:

  • Possession of a controlled substance contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act 4(1).

Sanket SINGLA, 21 of Winnipeg Manitoba is charged with:

  • Possession of a controlled substance contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act 4(1).

All have been released to a future court date in Thunder Bay.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Drug Bust – 3 Pills & 5 Grams Of Cocaine Taken Off Streets

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – A drug trafficking investigation in Thunder Bay has resulted in the arrest of two individuals from Nova Scotia.

On October 10, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a residence on South Creek Square in Thunder Bay by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG), OPP Canine, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), with assistance from the TBPS Emergency Tactical Unit (ETU) and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

As a result of the search warrant, investigators seized:

  • More than $70,000 in Canadian currency
  • Approximately five grams of suspected cocaine
  • Three oxycodone tablets
  • Three cell phones
  • A digital scale
  • Packaging material
  • A gold chain and bracelet
  • A luxury watch

Matthew CATER, age 37 of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Na’Taejin SMITH, age 18 of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia have each been charged with the following three offences contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code:

  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on November 19, 2024.

The OPP would like to thank the TBPS, NAPS and the RCMP for their support of the PGNG program.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Michael PERRUCCIO – Trafficking

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Police have seized a loaded firearm and quantities of drugs suspected to be fentanyl and cocaine after an investigation into drug trafficking in the Thunder Bay area.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) began this investigation in August 2024 following an increase in drug trafficking activity in Thunder Bay. On October 1, 2024, officers made an arrest in the area of Cumberland Street, where they located a loaded handgun in the pocket of the accused. Police also seized approximately 85 grams of suspected fentanyl, 35 grams of suspected cocaine and $4,000 in Canadian currency.

Michael PERRUCCIO, age 33 of Mississauga, was remanded into custody and charged with the following offences contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code:

  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
  • Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm
  • Careless storage of a firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a loaded restricted firearm
  • Possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 18, 2024.

The OPP would like to thank the Thunder Bay Police Service, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their support of the PGNG program.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.