Accused Face Serious Charges Under the Criminal Code of Canada
THUNDER BAY – May 28, 2025 – A joint drug trafficking investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit and the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau has led to the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of cocaine, fentanyl, and cash, following coordinated search operations in and around Thunder Bay.
Traffic Stop and Residential Raids Lead to Multiple Arrests
On Tuesday, May 27, police stopped a vehicle of interest on Highway 11/17 east of Thunder Bay. Two occupants were arrested without incident and taken into custody.
Later that day, Emergency Task Unit officers executed search warrants at two Thunder Bay residences—one on Picton Avenue, the other on Donald Street. Six more individuals were arrested at those locations.
Police seized:
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Quantities of suspected cocaine and fentanyl
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A significant amount of Canadian currency
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Drug trafficking-related paraphernalia
Charges and Criminal Code Context
The accused face a range of serious charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine and Fentanyl)
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Under Section 5(2) of the CDSA, possession of a Schedule I substance (including cocaine and fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking is punishable by up to life imprisonment.
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
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Under Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code:
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If the value of property exceeds $5,000, the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison.
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If under $5,000, the maximum penalty is 2 years less a day on summary conviction, or up to 10 years if prosecuted by indictment.
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Failure to Comply with a Release Order
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Under Section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code, this offence carries a maximum penalty of 2 years less a day on summary conviction, or up to 10 years on indictment, especially when related to serious drug offences.
Individuals Charged
Renae SWEETLAND, 20, of Toronto
Keston HINTON, 23, of Scarborough
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Charged with:
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine and Fentanyl)
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Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
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Hinton faces two additional charges of Failure to Comply with a Release Order
Elijah GILMORE-BENT, 22, of southern Ontario
Chantal SHAPWAYKEESIC, 28, of Thunder Bay
Andre WILLIAMS, 19, of Scarborough
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Charged with:
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
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Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
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Isaiah COOMBS-CAMPBELL, 19, of Pickering
Nakiel ATKINS, 26, of Oshawa
Peter BOGDALA, 50, of Thunder Bay
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Charged with:
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine and Fentanyl)
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Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
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Court Appearances and Ongoing Investigation
All accused appeared in court on Wednesday, May 28, and have been remanded into custody pending future court dates.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Thunder Bay Police encourage anyone with information related to drug trafficking activity to come forward or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
