Months-long investigation leads to cocaine/fentanyl trafficking charges; same day, officers arrest a driver allegedly impaired by a controlled substance

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

NIPIGON, Ont. — The Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid drug-trafficking chargesagainst two people following a probe that began in July 2025—and, in a separate incident the same day, arrested a driver for impaired operation.

Trafficking Investigation (Arrests: Nov. 17, 2025)

Brady BORG, 24, of Nipigon

• Trafficking in a Schedule I substance — cocaine (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) s.5(1))

Kylie DICKSON, 24, of Nipigon

• Trafficking in a Schedule I substance — cocaine (CDSA s.5(1))

• Trafficking in a Schedule I substance — fentanyl (CDSA s.5(1))

Both accused were held for a bail hearing and remain in custody.

Impaired Operation Arrest (Nov. 17, 2025 — ~10:30 a.m.)

In an unrelated call the same morning, officers responded to a report of a person sleeping in a running vehicle in the town of Nipigon. After speaking with the driver, police determined the individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by a controlled substance. The person was arrested and taken to hospital for further testing.

Charged: Kylie DICKSON, 24, of Nipigon

• Operation while impaired — alcohol and drugs (Criminal Code s.320.14(1)(a))

Court: Ontario Court of Justice (Nipigon) — January 6, 2026

Note: The trafficking charges against Dickson are separate from the impaired operation allegation. All charges have not been proven in court. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

What the Charges Mean — and Possible Penalties

Trafficking in a Schedule I substance (cocaine/fentanyl) — CDSA s.5(1)

Plain language: Selling, administering, giving, transferring, transporting, sending, or making available a Schedule I drug—or offering to do so.
Maximum penalty (adult): Life imprisonment (indictable).
Sentencing factors: Drug type/quantity (fentanyl is often treated as aggravating due to toxicity), role in the operation (courier vs. organizer), presence of weapons/violence, trafficking to or near youth/schools, links to a criminal organization, prior record, and rehabilitation steps. Courts may order forfeiture of offence-related property and weapons prohibitions.

Operation while impaired — alcohol and/or drugs — Criminal Code s.320.14(1)(a)

Plain language: Driving (or care and control) while ability is impaired by alcohol, a drug, or a combination.
Maximums: Hybrid offence — up to 10 years (indictable) or 2 years less a day (summary).
Mandatory minimums on conviction (s.320.19):

• First offence: $1,000 fine (higher minimums may apply with elevated BAC; drug-impairment minimum is $1,000).

• Second offence: 30 days jail (minimum).

• Third or more: 120 days jail (minimum).
  Driving prohibitions: Court-ordered 1–3+ years (first offence) and longer for repeat offences; provincial admin penalties also apply (e.g., Ontario’s 90-day immediate roadside suspension and 7-day vehicle impound). If impaired operation causes bodily harm or death, penalties rise dramatically (separate, more serious offences).

Public Safety Reminder

The OPP urges the public to report suspected impaired driving by calling 911 in emergencies. Complaints about impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Tips on drug trafficking can be shared anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.