Dryden, ON – September 7, 2025 | NetNewsLedger Crime Update – A coordinated investigation by the Dryden OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with support from the Kenora OPP Detachment, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), and the Treaty Three Police Service, has led to three individuals being charged with serious drug trafficking offences following a high-risk traffic stop in Kenora.
The incident took place on September 4, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Anderson Road, where officers stopped a vehicle believed to be involved in regional drug trafficking. The ensuing search uncovered a large quantity of suspected controlled substances, including:
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Cocaine
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Methamphetamine
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Fentanyl
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Hydromorphone
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Canadian currency
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A weapon and other drug trafficking paraphernalia
Individuals Charged
The following individuals have been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and Criminal Code of Canada:
Christopher FLETT, 36, of Dryden:
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone
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Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
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Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
Melanie KOLISNIK, 50, of Kenora:
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone
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Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
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Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
Stephanie POCIUK, 32, of Keewatin:
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone
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Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
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Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
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Failure to Comply with a Probation Order
All three accused are currently remanded into custody at the Kenora District Jail. Their next scheduled court appearance is set for September 8, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice.
Penalties Upon Conviction: What the Law Says
Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, trafficking or possession for the purpose of trafficking Schedule I substances (such as fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine) is a straight indictable offence.
Penalties include:
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Up to life imprisonment, especially in cases involving opioids like fentanyl, which are directly tied to Canada’s overdose crisis.
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Mandatory minimum sentences may apply depending on prior convictions or aggravating factors (e.g., trafficking near schools or involving youth).
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Weapon charges and proceeds of crime add significant penalties, potentially extending sentences.
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Failing to comply with probation can result in additional jail time and breach charges, compounding the legal consequences.
How You Can Safely Help Stop Drug Trafficking in Your Community
Community members are the eyes and ears on the ground. You can help disrupt dangerous drug networks without putting yourself at risk. Here’s how:
🔍 Watch for Red Flags
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Frequent short visits to a home or apartment
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Unusual chemical smells
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Excessive traffic at all hours
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Increased property crime or suspicious activity
📞 Report What You See
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Call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 for non-urgent reports
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In an emergency, always call 9-1-1
🕵️♂️ Stay Anonymous with Crime Stoppers
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Call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
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Or report online at www.p3tips.com
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You don’t have to identify yourself and could be eligible for a cash reward
🚫 Never Intervene Directly
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Do not approach suspected dealers or enter potentially dangerous areas.
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Document safely (e.g., license plates, dates, times, and descriptions) and share with police.
Protecting Northwestern Ontario Communities
This arrest is another reminder that drug trafficking is not just an urban issue—it’s affecting Kenora, Dryden, Keewatin, Thunder Bay, and all surrounding communities. The public’s assistance is vital to making neighbourhoods safer and stopping the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl.
