Thunder Bay – Two teenage boys from Toronto are facing a long list of drug and firearms-related charges after Thunder Bay Police responded to an incident at a residence on Donald Street East Wednesday afternoon.
The arrest unfolded around 3:00 p.m. on April 2, when officers from the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit were called to a home in the 1100 block of Donald Street East.
Reports indicated that two individuals—unwanted and refusing to leave the premises—were possibly in possession of a firearm and illegal drugs.
Thunder Bay Police escalated their response, bringing in support from the Primary Response Unit, Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit.
Foot Pursuit and Arrests
One of the suspects attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended after a short foot chase. A second youth was arrested inside the residence. Following the arrests, officers executed a search and recovered a loaded handgun, suspected fentanyl and cocaine, and an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be proceeds of crime.
Charges Laid Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
The two accused—a 15-year-old male and a 14-year-old male, both from Toronto—are facing a total of 10 charges each, including:
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Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
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Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
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Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
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Possession of a Firearm Obtained by Crime
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl & Cocaine)
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Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
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Unlawfully in a Dwelling
Due to their ages, their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Remanded into Custody
Both youths appeared in a Thunder Bay courtroom on Thursday, April 3, and were remanded into custody pending a future court date.
The case highlights growing concerns around the infiltration of southern Ontario gang and drug activity into Northern communities, and marks yet another instance of young offenders being swept up in organized drug trafficking operations that span the province.
