$836K in Drugs, Loaded Firearm Seized in Thunder Bay; Five Charged in Major Trafficking Investigation

THUNDER BAY – May 29, 2025 – A joint drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of more than $836,000 in illicit drugs, a loaded firearm, and over $126,000 in cash in Thunder Bay, resulting in 35 criminal charges laid against five individuals.

The investigation, which began in late 2024, was led by the Ontario Provincial Police’s Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) and the Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau (POIB). Police allege the suspects were involved in a criminal operation trafficking drugs from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to Thunder Bay.

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, a coordinated operation involving multiple police services executed search warrants on two vehicles and three residences in Thunder Bay. Agencies involved included the Thunder Bay OPP Regional Support Team, OPP Community Street Crime Unit, OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, Thunder Bay Police Service, and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS).

Seized Items Include High-Potency Drugs and Loaded Weapon

Officers seized the following items, with approximate quantities:

• 7.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine

• 1 kilogram of suspected methamphetamine

• 2.8 grams of suspected fentanyl

• 295 oxycodone tablets

• 4 pounds of dried illicit cannabis

• 280 cannabis vape pens

• 25 vials of hash oil

• 1 loaded firearm

• $126,260 in Canadian currency

• 8 mobile phones

The total estimated street value of the drugs seized is $836,000.

Charges Laid Under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)

The five accused face a combination of charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including:

Criminal Code Charges

• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm – Section 91(1): Max penalty of 10 years imprisonment

• Careless Storage of a Firearm – Section 86(1): Max penalty of 2 years (indictable) or 6 months (summary)

• Possession of a Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition – Section 95(1): Mandatory minimum 3 years (first offence), up to 10 years

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Section 354(1)(a): Max penalty of 10 years imprisonment

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Charges

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone) – Section 5(2): Max penalty of life imprisonment

• Possession for the Purpose of Distributing Cannabis – Cannabis Act, Section 9(2): Max penalty of 14 years

• Possession of Illicit Cannabis Products – Cannabis Act, Section 8(1)

All accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Court dates are pending as the legal process continues.

Charges Laid

Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal

Police continue to investigate the broader network involved in this trafficking operation.

Keep in mind that these drug dealers are bringing their poison into our region, and communities and that the number of drug overdoses and the pain of addiction is destroying families. In the case of people who do not want this in their cities and towns and First Nations reserves, reporting illegal activity helps save lives.

Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs is urged to contact:

📞 OPP at 1-888-310-1122
📞 Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
🖥️ Online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca

About the PGNG Enforcement Team

The Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team is a multi-jurisdictional initiative dedicated to disrupting street gang activity, major drug trafficking, and illegal firearm movement across Ontario. The unit includes members from 20 police services, the RCMP, and Quebec-based agencies, operating with a province-wide mandate.