OPP and Thunder Bay Police Target Illicit Drug Activity in Three-Week Joint Investigation

THUNDER BAY – CRIME REPORT – A joint drug trafficking investigation has led to the arrest of six individuals in Thunder Bay and the seizure of multiple illicit substances including cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, Percocet pills, and illicit cannabis.

The operation, which took place between April 21 and May 9, 2025, was led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with support from the OPP Canine Unit, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, and the Thunder Bay Police Service Canine Unit. Search warrants executed at two Thunder Bay residences resulted in the significant seizures and subsequent criminal charges.

📂 Charges and Criminal Code Context

The individuals are facing charges under:

• Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)

• Criminal Code of Canada

• Cannabis Act

Among the most serious charges is Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (CDSA Section 5(2)), which includes substances such as cocaine, opioids (including fentanyl), and methamphetamine.

🔹 Potential Penalties:

• Schedule I trafficking offences are indictable and carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment, especially if aggravating factors are present (e.g., trafficking to youth or near schools).

• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (Criminal Code Section 354(1)) can result in up to 2 years imprisonment upon indictment.

• Distribution of illicit cannabis (Cannabis Act Section 9(2)) is also indictable and can carry a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.

👮 Individuals Charged

Maurice BARTLEY, 57, of Thunder Bay

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Opioid
  📅 Court Date: July 9, 2025 (Released from custody)

Steve GROOMBRIDGE, 42, of Thunder Bay

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Opioid

• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  📌 Status: Remanded into custody

Lennox MATTINAS, 48, of Thunder Bay

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Opioid
  📌 Status: Remanded into custody

Jasen DOWHANIUK, 43, of Thunder Bay

• Possession for the purpose of distributing (Cannabis Act)
  📅 Court Date: July 30, 2025

Alleysha HENRY, 27, of Thunder Bay

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  📅 Court Date: June 5, 2025 (Released from custody)

Leah NEWMAN, 49, of Langley, British Columbia

• 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 drugs
  📅 Court Date: June 4, 2025 (Released from custody)

🧠 OPP Encourage Public Vigilance

The OPP reminds the public that trafficking in dangerous substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine presents an ongoing threat to health and safety in communities across Northwestern Ontario.

📞 If You Have Information:

• OPP Tip Line: 1-888-310-1122

• Crime Stoppers (Anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca
  💰 You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000