CORE and Housing Safety Unit respond to “unwanted persons” call and uncover loaded firearms, suspected cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and cash

By NetNewsLedger Staff
Date: November 19, 2025
Category: Local News | Regional Crime Report

THUNDER BAY — Two men are in custody after Thunder Bay Police Service officers say they found loaded firearms, ammunition, suspected cocaine, fentanyl and heroin, along with a large sum of cash, inside an apartment in the 100 block of Cumberland Street.

Members of the TBPS Community Outreach and Engagement (CORE) and Housing Safety Unit (HSU) attended the unit on Tuesday, Nov. 18 regarding unwanted persons. Police say two individuals were located and an investigation led to the seizures.

Accused:

• Sharmake AHMED, 20, of no fixed address

• Khalifah TOPEY, 30, of southern Ontario

Both appeared in court today and were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.

Note: None of the allegations have been proven in court. Each accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Charges Laid — What They Mean and Possible Penalties

(Statutes: Criminal Code of Canada unless noted; penalties shown are maximums. Actual sentences depend on the facts, prior record, and aggravating/mitigating factors. Many former mandatory minimums for firearms/drug offences have been repealed; judges retain discretion.)

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking ×2 (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) s.5(2))

Allegation: Possessing Schedule I drugs (e.g., cocaine, fentanyl/heroin) with intent to traffic (sell, share, distribute).
Maximum: Life imprisonment (indictable). Courts consider drug type/quantity (fentanyl/heroin are often treated as aggravating), role in the operation, weapons, and links to organized crime. Forfeiture of offence-related property may be ordered.

Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime (s.354; punishment s.355)

Allegation: Possessing cash/property knowing (or being reckless as to whether) it was gained from crime.
Maximum: If value over $5,000 → 10 years (indictable). If $5,000 or less → hybrid, up to 2 years less a day(summary) or higher if indictable. Forfeiture is possible.

Careless Storage/Use/Handling of Firearm (s.86)

Allegation: Storing or handling a firearm without due care (e.g., unsafe storage).
Maximum: Hybrid; up to 2 years less a day on summary conviction, or higher if indictable (often up to 2 years; some proceedings may seek up to 5 years depending on the subsection charged). Convictions can trigger weapons prohibitions.

Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (s.88)

Allegation: Possessing a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace.
Maximum: Hybrid; up to 10 years (indictable).

Carrying a Concealed Weapon (s.90)

Allegation: Concealing a weapon on one’s person.
Maximum: Hybrid; up to 5 years (indictable).

Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm / Weapon (s.91)

Allegation: Possessing a firearm/weapon without required licence/authorization/registration.
Maximum: Hybrid; up to 5 years (indictable).

Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (s.92)

Allegation: Knowing possession of a firearm when not authorized under the Firearms Act.
Maximum: Indictable; up to 10 years.

Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (typically s.91(2) or related provisions)

Allegation: Possessing a prohibited weapon/device (e.g., certain handguns, over-capacity magazines) without lawful authority.
Maximum: Generally hybrid; up to 5 years (indictable).

Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition (s.95(1))

Allegation: Possessing a loaded restricted/prohibited firearm, or one with readily accessible ammunition, without authorization.
Maximum: Indictable; up to 10 years. Historically carried mandatory minimums; most have been repealed, but courts still treat this as a serious offence.

Possession of Firearm/Prohibited Weapon Obtained by Crime (s.96)

Allegation: Possessing a firearm or prohibited weapon known to be stolen/obtained by crime.
Maximum: Indictable; up to 10 years.

Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order (s.117.01)

Allegation: Possessing any firearm/weapon while under a court-ordered weapons ban.
Maximum: Hybrid; up to 10 years (indictable). Courts often extend/renew weapons prohibitions and may order DNAsampling.

Obstruct Peace Officer (AHMED only) — s.129(a)

Allegation: Resisting/obstructing a police officer in the lawful execution of duties.
Maximum: Hybrid; up to 2 years (indictable) or 2 years less a day (summary).

What Else Courts Can Order

• Weapons prohibitions (length varies; can be lengthy or life in some cases).

• Forfeiture of seized firearms, ammunition, prohibited devices, and offence-related property (cash/phones).

• Probation with conditions following custody, where permitted.

• Ancillary orders (DNA orders, non-contact/stay-away conditions).

TBPS says the investigation remains active. Anyone with information can contact Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200 or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or p3tips.com.