Tag: Drugs

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North Caribou Lake First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Eleanor CHIKANE

(NORTH CARIBOU LAKE FIRST NATION, ON) – Officers from the North Caribou Lake Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment have arrested and charged an individual for drug trafficking.

On April 24, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m., North Caribou Lake First Nation Band Council security notified officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) of suspected drugs being brought into the community for the purpose of being trafficked.

Following investigation, individually packaged suspected cocaine was located and seized.

As a result of the investigation Eleanor CHIKANE 32-years-old of North Caribou Lake First Nation, Ontario, has been arrested and charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking

The accused was held in custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice for a bail hearing on the 24th of April, 2025.

If you have any information about illegal firearms or the trafficking of illicit substances, 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), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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St. Catherines

$10 Million Cocaine Bust – Names Released

(ST. CATHARINES, ON) – Police seized more than 100 kilograms of suspected cocaine, and arrested a full patch member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club and three other individuals following a three-month drug trafficking investigation spanning from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the Niagara area into Nova Scotia.

In January 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), with assistance from Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), York Regional Police (YRP) and Halton Regional Police Service, commenced an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity by outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) members in St. Catharines. The investigation revealed that large quantities of cocaine were being trafficked throughout the GTA and distributed to the East Coast of Canada.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, the OPP-led BEU, YRP #2 District and YRP Forensic Identification Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Richmond Hill where the following items were seized:

  •         Approximately 101 kilograms of suspected cocaine
  •         More than $215,000 in Canadian currency

As a result of the investigation, four individuals were charged with a total of eight offences.

Randy McGEAN, age 53, Sherry STILLWELL, age 44, and Cody SOULLIERE, age 40, all residents of St. Catharines, have each been charged with the following two offences contrary to the Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):

  •         Possession of proceeds of crime
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Niagara on May 29, 2025.

David CROTHERS, age 47 of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following two offences contrary to the CC and CDSA:

  •         Possession of proceeds of crime
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Niagara on April 24, 2025.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, members from the NRPS Intelligence Unit and Tactical Response Unit executed additional search warrants at two residences in St. Catharines. The following items were seized:

  •         Approximately 25 oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets
  •         Approximately five ounces of suspected cocaine
  •         A money counter
  •         A quantity of Canadian currency

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $10.1 million.

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the OPP-led BEU provided information to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Nova Scotia. The RCMP conducted a vehicle stop and located approximately five kilograms of suspected cocaine, a rifle, ammunition and high-capacity magazines. The driver of the vehicle has been charged by Cumberland County District RCMP.

Anyone with information regarding illegal activity associated with OMGs is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Collison Leads To Cocaine Bust

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – Three people are facing charges after a single vehicle collision.

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to a single motor vehicle collision (MVC) on Highway 6 near Whitefish River First Nation. Police attended the scene, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation. Police confirmed there were no injuries as a result of the collision.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $2,800 and a knife.

As a result, the driver, Nicole PHEASANT, 33-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine

The passenger, Tyler BONDY, 29-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Failure to comply with release order

The second passenger, Allison RECOLLET, 47-year-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine

The accused individuals are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay in May. 

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BATCHEWANA FIRST NATION OPP Police Press Releases

Sawed-Off Shotgun Results In Numerous Charges

(BATCHEWANA FIRST NATION, ON) – Two individuals are facing criminal charges after a traffic stop in Batchewana First Nation.

On April 16, 2025, at approximately 2:14 p.m., officers with the Batchewana First Nation Police Service were conducting general patrol, when they observed a motor vehicle travelling at an exceptionally low rate of speed on August Street. A traffic stop was conducted, where investigation revealed one of the passengers was wanted by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. The passenger was arrested and searched, where officers located a small amount of suspected clonazepam pills. The vehicle was then searched incident to arrest, where officers located various amounts of suspected cocaine and fentanyl inside a second passenger’s property. Officers also located a sawed-off shotgun, belonging to the second passenger.

As a result, Rachel HARRIMAN, 22 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I substance

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on June 2, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie.

Mark DUBOIS, 33 years-of-age, of Batchewana First Nation was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I substance
  • Possession of Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a prohibited device
  • Careless storage of firearm
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was firearm
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm

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

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North Huron OPP Police Press Releases

Blyth Drug Bust – Donald McLELLAN & Judy CERE-CORE

(NORTH HURON, ON) – An investigation conducted by officers from the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Huron-Perth OPP Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) has resulted in the arrest of an impaired driver and seizure of illegal drugs and offence-related property. Criminal charges have been laid against two individuals from North Huron.

On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, officers were patrolling in the village of Blyth, North Huron when they observed a suspicious vehicle parked near a storage unit facility. Officers located two individuals inside the vehicle and the driver was subsequently arrested for impaired operation.

A quantity of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine was seized, along with offence-related property. The total value of the illegal drugs is estimated at $8,220. Additional offence-related property including cellular phones, and a digital scale seized by police totaled $2,050.

Donald McLELLAN, 61 years of age from North Huron has been charged with:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl,
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine,
  • Impaired Operation – Alcohol and Drugs.

The accused was processed and later released with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on May 12, 2025.

Judy CERE-CORE, 56 years of age from North Huron has been charged with:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl,
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine.

The accused was processed and later released with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on May 12, 2025.

Any person with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a web tip at “P3tips.com” where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sioux Lookout

Brier & Brody EDWARDS Were Arrested

(SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – Officers from the Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with support from the Dryden OPP CSCU, Northwest Region (NWR) Emergency Response Team, NWR Canine Unit, and Sioux Lookout Detachment have arrested and charged two individuals for drug trafficking and firearms offences in the Municipality, thanks to ongoing investigations being conducted by the Sioux Lookout CSCU.

On Wednesday, April 17th, 2025, at approximately 2:00 pm, police executed a search warrant at a local residence on Highland Park Drive, in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout. During the search, officers seized prohibited firearms, ammunition, and prohibited firearms accessories, as well as suspected illicit substances and proceeds of crime. Following investigation, charges have been laid against two Sioux Lookout residents.

Brody EDWARDS, 21-years-old of Sioux Lookout, Ontario, has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act offences:

·      Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm – three counts

·      Carless storage of Firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition – three counts

·      Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm

·      Possession of a firearm knowing the Serial number has been tampered with

·      Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose

·      Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking

·      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Brier EDWARDS, 18-years-old of Sioux Lookout, Ontario has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act offences:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking

·      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Both accused have been remanded into custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Dryden, on April 23, 2025.

If you have any information about illegal firearms or the trafficking of illicit substances in Sioux Lookout, 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), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Jessyka VEILLEUX Arrested

(COCHRANE, ON) – One individual is facing multiple charges following the execution of a search warrant that led to the seizure of fentanyl, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and other evidence consistent with drug trafficking.

On Thursday April 17, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the James Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with support from frontline officers of the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), executed a search warrant at a residence on Gold Street in Cochrane.

During the search, officers seized suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $10,000. Police also recovered a digital scale, packaging materials, a cellphone, and approximately $360 in Canadian currency.

As a result of the investigation, Jessyka VEILLEUX, 35 years-of-age of Cochrane, was arrested charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
  • 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 property obtained by crime under $5000

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to next appear for before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on April 22, 2025.

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Armour OPP Police Press Releases

Hwy 11 Drug Bust

(ARMOUR TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two people with multiple drug related offences after a traffic stop.

On Thursday April 17, 2025, approximately 8:40 p.m., the Almaguin Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were alerted to a suspended driver hit by the Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. Police conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11 in the Township of Armour, further to the investigation, resulted in both the driver and passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police seized amounts of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, Oxycodone pills, digital scale, baggies, debt list, and cell phones were seized. The estimated street value for the drugs seized was approximately $20,000.00. 

As a result, Andre LAVIGNE, 37-years-old of West Nipissing was charged with the following:

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

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Opioid (other than heroin)

·      Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

·      Driving while under suspension

In addition, Onofrio DI PISA, 56-year-old of West Nipissing has also been charged 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 (other than heroin)

·      Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

Both accused persons were held for a bail hearing.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – On April 16, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a Controlled Dugs and Substances Act (CDSA) warrant at a residence on Youngfox Road in Blind River.

As a result of the warrant being executed, over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, digital scales, cash, packaging materials, debt lists, machetes, and numerous cell phones were seized. 

The OPP’s Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit, and uniform members were involved with the investigation.         

Samantha PELLERIN, 30-years-old, of Blind River was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

Echo PELLERIN, 41-years-old, of Blind River was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

Robert VINCENT, 36-years-old, of Blind River was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

Jameel Winston BAPTISTE, 38-years-old, of Niagara Falls was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

All accused persons are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on June 5, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases Selwyn

2 Arrested Following Warrant Execution

(SELWYN TOWNSHIP, ON) – Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Peterborough County / Northumberland Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) arrested an individual wanted on outstanding charges as well as a second person.

On Monday April 14, 2025, members of the Peterborough County/Northumberland CSCU executed a warrant at a residence in Bridgenorth where they had been made aware that a wanted person had been hiding. Upon execution of the warrant, the individual was located as well as 16 grams of Cocaine, digital scales, Canadian currency, and two saws believed to be stolen. The individual was also wanted for failing to comply with a release order as well as a surety revocation warrant.

Gerald ARCAND (age 58) of Bridgenorth, ON., was arrested and charged with;

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

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

·      Fail to comply with release order – other than to attend court

A second warrant was executed during a traffic stop at which point a small amount of drugs were also located. The individual was also on a release with conditions that included to not associate with the first accused.

Julia MCGUGAN (age 49) of Bridgenorth, ON., was arrested and charged 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

·      Failure to comply with Undertaking (two counts)

·      Driving while under suspension (two counts)

Both accused were held for Bail to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough.

Police are looking to return the saws to their rightful owners. If you are the owner or know who they belong to, contact the Peterborough County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can also contact the Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca

To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.

Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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North Caribou Lake First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Jolene KAKEKAYASH Was Arrested

(NORTH CARIBOU LAKE FIRST NATION, ON) – One individual is facing charges after an investigation into drug trafficking in North Caribou Lake First Nation.

On April 12, 205 members of the of the North Caribou Lake First Nation Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment responded to a call for service at the North Caribou Lake First Nation Airport. Officers launched an investigation into an individual suspected to be in possession of suspected illicit substances. The investigation resulted in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of suspected illicit substances including cocaine, oxycodone pills and hydromorphone.

Jolene KAKEKAYASH, 42-years-old of North Caribou Lake First Nation, has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) 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 – two counts

The accused was held for bail and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Thunder Bay on April 16, 2025.

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.

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OPP Orangeville Police Press Releases

Kyle Mackenzie Facing Numerous Drug & Weapon Charges

(ORANGEVILLE, ON) – Officers from the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a search warrant at a residence in Orangeville. During the operation, they seized a quantity of drugs, including cocaine, psilocybin along with other illegal items. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.

In the spring of 2025, the Dufferin OPP launched a drug trafficking investigation in the Town of Orangeville in response to numerous public complaints. On April 9, 2025, members of the Dufferin OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the Collingwood CSCU and Dufferin A Platoon, executed a search warrant. The operation resulted in the arrest of two men and the seizure of the following items:

As a result, Kyle Mackenzie, 38-year-old, from Orangeville has been charged with:

•      Traffick in Schedule I substance- Cocaine

•      Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

•      Poss of a Schedule III Substance

•      Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

•      Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

•      Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

As a result, Burim GAJTANI, 41-year-old, from Grand Valley has been charged with:

•      Poss of a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine

The following items were seized during the investigation:

•      16 grams Cocaine

•      14 grams psilocybin

•      Canadian currency

•      metal homemade nun chuck

•      brass knuckles

•      three blade punching device

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dufferin OPP.

Members of the Dufferin OPP are committed to ensuring public safety through proactive and innovative policing in partnership with the community. If you have any information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-822-8477 (TIPS) or visit www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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OPP Pembroke Police Press Releases

Tracy AYRES – Cocaine

(PEMBROKE, ON) – A local individual is facing a drug possession charge after a disturbance was reported in Pembroke.

On April 9, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m. officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to an address on John Street due to an individual disturbing the peace and possibly using drugs. Police located an individual in possession of drugs and an arrest was made. Suspected cocaine was seized during the investigation. 

Tracy AYRES, age 43 of Pembroke, has been charged with the following Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) offence:

  • Possession of a schedule 1 substance – cocaine

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on May 12, 2025. 

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OPP Pembroke Police Press Releases

4 Charged In Drug Bust – Names Released

(PEMBROKE, ON) – Four area residents are facing drug charges after members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop in Pembroke.  

On April 5, 2025, at approximately 8:20 p.m., officers stopped a passenger vehicle on Everett Street. Suspected cocaine, along with items typically associated with drug trafficking, were seized by police during the traffic stop. 

As a result of this investigation 31-year-old Aaron LANCE of Chalk River, 23-year-old August LOVE-McCOURT of Arnprior, 28-year-old Sarah PROKSCH of Laurentian Valley Township, and 27-year-old Eric YARASKAVITCH of Pembroke are each facing the following charge under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):

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

LANCE faces an additional charge under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) for failing to surrender his licence. 

The accused individuals were all released and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on May 5, 2025.  

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Southwest Oxford

Paul Sookrit Was Arrested Again

(SOUTHWEST OXFORD, ON) – One person is facing multiple charges following a traffic stop on Highway 401 in the Township of Southwest Oxford.

On April 6, 2025, at approximately 12:00 a.m., members of the Oxford Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting patrol on Highway 401 in the Township of Southwest Oxford, where Oxford OPP members conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle.

Paul Sookrit, 30-years-old of Markam, has been charged with:  

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine

·      Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court

·      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000

·      Possession of an identity document

Additionally, the accused was charged with the following offences under the Highway Traffic Act and the Cannabis Control Act with:

·      Driver fail to surrender licence

·      Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

·      Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

Police seized a quantity of suspected cocaine and suspected cannabis. Police also seized a quantity of Canadian currency and identity documents.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.