Largest Seizure in Sault Ste. Marie’s History Nets Fentanyl, Cocaine, Meth, and $124K in Cash

Regional Crime Update – Northwestern Ontario

Sault Ste. Marie, ON — A coordinated police raid in Sault Ste. Marie has resulted in the largest drug seizure in the city’s history, as authorities confiscated more than $1.4 million in illicit drugs and over $124,000 in cash on October 21, 2025.

The high-impact operation, led by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service with support from the Ontario Provincial Police, targeted a unit in a multi-residential building on Princess Crescent. The early-morning execution of the search warrant—just after 6:00 a.m.—led to the arrest of a 20-year-old man from Toronto, who now faces multiple trafficking and possession charges.

Drugs, Cash, and Tools of the Trade

Inside the unit and the suspect’s vehicle, police uncovered a staggering array of narcotics and trafficking paraphernalia:

• 3.77 kg of suspected fentanyl (estimated street value: $754,390)

• 2.75 kg of suspected cocaine (estimated street value: $274,815)

• 4.14 kg of suspected methamphetamine (estimated street value: $413,735)

• 62 suspected oxycodone tablets (estimated street value: $620)

• $124,235 in Canadian currency

• Drug packaging materials, cutting agents, three digital scales, five cellphones

• A 2023 Hyundai Sonata, seized as offence-related property

The total value of seized drugs comes to approximately $1,443,560.

Police: “This Is a Historic Drug Seizure”

“This is more than ten kilograms of poison that won’t make it onto our streets to harm members of our community,” said Interim Deputy Chief William Freeman. “It’s the result of tireless work by our officers and the strong collaboration we have with our provincial partners.”

Freeman emphasized that while this operation represents a major success, enforcement efforts will continue: “Our work isn’t done — we’ll continue to target those who profit from bringing dangerous drugs into Sault Ste. Marie.”

The coordinated effort included specialized teams:

• Sault Police Crime Suppression Unit

• Drug Enforcement Unit

• Emergency Services Unit

• OPP Emergency Response Team

• OPP Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau

Charges Laid

The 20-year-old accused has been charged with:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Oxycodone

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5,000

He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

Thunder Bay Connection & Regional Context

While the bust occurred in Sault Ste. Marie, the arrest of a Toronto-based suspect highlights a growing trend of organized drug operations pushing into Northern Ontario communities.

Thunder Bay has also experienced waves of drug trafficking activity tied to individuals from Southern Ontario. This seizure reinforces the need for multi-agency coordination across Northwestern Ontario, especially as fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to pose major public health risks in the region.