OPP Seize Suspected Crack Cocaine, Cash, and Drug Paraphernalia
ARMSTRONG, ON — One person is facing drug trafficking-related charges following a traffic stop in Armstrong, as Ontario Provincial Police continue an ongoing investigation into illicit drug activity in the area.
Police say that on Thursday, January 1, 2026, shortly after 5:00 p.m. EST, officers from the Armstrong OPP Detachment stopped a vehicle on Airport Road.
With support from the Thunder Bay OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), officers seized suspected crack cocaine, Canadian currency, and drug-related paraphernalia, OPP report.
Charges Laid
As a result of the investigation, Tammy Shapwaykeesic, 39, of Whitesand First Nation, has been charged with:
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Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, s. 5(2))
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Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (Criminal Code)
The accused was held for bail and later released. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Armstrong on January 20, 2026.
All charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
What Penalties Could Apply if There’s a Conviction?
Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, possession for the purpose of trafficking involving a Schedule Isubstance (including cocaine) is an indictable offence with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
For possession of property obtained by crime where the value is not more than $5,000, the Criminal Code sets a maximum of up to two years imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment; if prosecuted by summary conviction, the general maximum penalty is up to two years less a day and/or a $5,000 fine (unless another law provides otherwise).
Sentences depend on the facts of the case and are ultimately decided by the court.
Recognizing Possible Signs of Drug Trafficking in Your Community
Police and community safety experts often encourage residents to watch for patterns that may suggest trafficking activity, such as:
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Frequent short-stay traffic to a home or parking area (people arriving and leaving within minutes)
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Hand-to-hand exchanges in vehicles or on foot, especially in consistent locations
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Unusual late-night activity and repeated vehicle “drop-ins”
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Cash-focused transactions, people counting money, or sudden spending patterns tied to a location
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Drug packaging litter (small baggies, torn corners of bags) or discarded items associated with drug use
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Increased property crime in the immediate area (theft, break-ins) that may correlate with trafficking activity
For safety, residents are urged not to confront suspected dealers—report concerns to police.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit crimestoppers.ca.
