Bearskin Lake First Nation — Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) seized suspected cocaine and four rifles during a morning search at a residence on Thursday, Sept. 4. The warrant—obtained as part of an ongoing drug-trafficking investigation—was executed by the NAPS Intelligence Unit with support from frontline officers.
Two suspects were arrested without incident. Police say they located suspected cocaine, Suboxone (buprenorphine) tablets, cash, trafficking paraphernalia, and firearms; the estimated street value of drugs seized is nearly $54,000.
Charges
36-year-old male (Dryden, ON) and 48-year-old female (Bearskin Lake First Nation) are each charged with:
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Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking (CDSA s.5(2))
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Possession of Buprenorphine for the Purpose of Trafficking (CDSA s.5(2))
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Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (Criminal Code s.354(1) / s.355(b))
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Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm ×4 (Criminal Code s.91)
Both accused were released with a court date of Nov. 10, 2025. The names of accused individuals are released only after charges are sworn before the courts.
What those charges carry on conviction (maximums)
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine, Buprenorphine): Cocaine and buprenorphine are Schedule I substances. Under CDSA s.5(3)(a), possession for the purpose of trafficking in a Schedule I drug is an indictable offence with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
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Possession of Proceeds of Crime ≤ $5,000 (s.355(b)): Hybrid offence — up to 2 years’ imprisonment (indictable), or on summary conviction up to 2 years less a day and/or a $5,000 fine.
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Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (s.91): Hybrid — up to 5 years’ imprisonment (indictable), or on summary conviction up to 2 years less a day and/or a $5,000 fine.
Sentencing depends on the facts, prior record, applicable ranges, and whether counts run concurrently or consecutively. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
