TBPS Intelligence Unit executes two search warrants on Amelia Street; charges laid include trafficking and proceeds of crime
THUNDER BAY – CRIME UPDATE (File: TB25039519) – The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Intelligence Unit seized suspected cocaine, fentanyl, and more than $15,000 in cash after executing two search warrants in the 200 block of Amelia Street on October 2, 2025. Five people were arrested and taken into custody.
Those charged are Rene Aube, 56 (Thunder Bay); Rahsaun Joseph, 23 (Oakville); Jathanelle Latulippe, 19 (Toronto); Michael Ramkissoon, 27 (Etobicoke); and Glen Vestner, 45 (Thunder Bay).
Charges
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Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking (CDSA s.5(2))
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Possession of an Opioid (Fentanyl) for the Purpose of Trafficking (CDSA s.5(2))
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Possession of Property/Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000 (Criminal Code s.354(1)/s.355)
Additional counts:
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Fail to Comply with Probation – Joseph (Criminal Code s.733.1(1))
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Breach of Release Order – Latulippe (Criminal Code s.145(5)(a))
The investigation is ongoing. As always, the accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What These Charges Mean & Potential Penalties on Conviction
Trafficking-Related Possession (CDSA s.5(2)) – Cocaine & Fentanyl
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Nature: Indictable, serious drug offences (both are Schedule I substances).
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Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment.
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Sentencing notes: Courts weigh drug type/quantity, role in the operation, cash/packaging scales, and any aggravating factors (e.g., trafficking near schools, ties to organized crime). Conditional sentences are not available for these indictable counts.
Possession of Property/Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000 (CC s.354(1)/s.355)
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Nature: Hybrid (Crown may proceed summarily or by indictment).
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Maximum penalty (indictable): Up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
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Sentencing notes: Typically linked to suspected crime proceeds (e.g., cash tied to drug sales). Judges consider amount, sophistication, and related offences.
Fail to Comply with Probation (CC s.733.1(1)) – Joseph
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Nature: Hybrid.
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Maximum penalty (indictable): Up to 4 years’ imprisonment (summary conviction can carry shorter custodial terms, fines, or additional probation).
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Sentencing notes: Courts look at the reason for the breach, record, and proximity to new offences.
Breach of Release Order (CC s.145(5)(a)) – Latulippe
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Nature: Hybrid.
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Maximum penalty (indictable): Up to 2 years’ imprisonment (summary: shorter custodial terms and/or fines).
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Sentencing notes: Compliance with court-ordered conditions is treated seriously; penalties escalate where breaches occur alongside new criminal conduct.
Important: Final sentences depend on the facts proven, any prior record, mitigating/aggravating factors, Gladue considerations where applicable, and the Crown’s election (summary vs. indictable).
Public Assistance
Anyone with information related to drug trafficking can contact TBPS at 807-684-1200 or provide an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.p3tips.com.
