CSCU seizes fentanyl, cocaine, hydromorphone and cash worth ~$20,000

By NetNewsLedger Staff
Category: Regional Crime Update
Date: November 18, 2025

FORT FRANCES, Ont. — A Fort Frances resident faces multiple drug-trafficking and Criminal Code charges after a downtown investigation by the Rainy River District OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with assistance from the Treaty Three Police Street Crime Unit.

On Monday, November 10, 2025, officers concluded an investigation in the downtown core and seized fentanyl, cocaine, hydromorphone, Canadian currency, and other trafficking evidence.

Police estimate the street value at approximately $20,000.

The Accused and Charges

Jonathan JOURDAIN, 36, of Fort Frances is charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — fentanyl (CDSA s.5(2))

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine (CDSA s.5(2))

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — hydromorphone (CDSA s.5(2))

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime — over $5,000 (Criminal Code s.354; s.355(a))

• Fail to comply with probation order (Criminal Code s.733.1)

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (Criminal Code s.88)

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances at a later date.

Note: The charges have not been proven in court. The accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

What the Charges Mean — and Possible Penalties if Convicted

Possession for the purpose of trafficking (CDSA s.5(2)) — fentanyl, cocaine, hydromorphone

Plain language: Alleged possession of Schedule I drugs with intent to sell/distribute (e.g., bulk quantities, packaging, scales, cash).
Maximum penalty (adult): Life imprisonment (indictable).
Sentencing factors: Drug type/quantity (fentanyl is an aggravating factor), role in the operation, links to organized crime, presence of weapons, prior record, and rehabilitation steps. Courts may order forfeiture of offence-related property and weapons prohibitions.

Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime — over $5,000 (CC s.354; s.355(a))

Plain language: Alleged possession of money or property knowing, or being reckless as to whether, it came from crime.
Maximum penalty: 10 years’ imprisonment if indictable; up to 2 years less a day and/or a fine if summary. Larger sums and organized activity typically attract harsher sentences.

Fail to comply with probation order (CC s.733.1)

Plain language: Alleged breach of court-ordered conditions (e.g., reporting, curfew, no-contact).
Maximum penalty: Usually summary with up to 2 years less a day and/or a fine; the court weighs the nature of the breach and risk to public safety.

Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (CC s.88)

Plain language: Alleged possession of a weapon (not necessarily a firearm) for a purpose dangerous to the public peace.
Maximum penalty: Hybrid offence; up to 10 years’ imprisonment if indictable, or 2 years less a day and/or a fine if summary. Convictions can trigger weapons prohibitions and, in some cases, DNA orders.

Mandatory minimums: Recent federal reforms removed many mandatory minimums for drug offences, leaving judges discretion to tailor sentences to the facts and the offender.

Call for Information

If you have information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).