Police allege $20,000+ in drugs and property recovered during arrest and search warrant

THUNDER BAY, ON — A Thunder Bay resident is facing drug and Criminal Code charges after an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) investigation led to an arrest and the execution of a search warrant at a local residence.

OPP say the arrest happened Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with assistance from the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT). Investigators report seizing suspected cocaine, oxycodone pills, cell phones, and Canadian currency. Police estimate the combined value of drugs and property at more than $20,000.

Sean Leveille, 44, of Thunder Bay, has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code. Police say he remains in custody and is expected to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay at a later date.

As with all criminal matters, the charges have not been proven in court.

What the charges mean — and the potential penalties on conviction

1) Possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)

This charge alleges the accused had cocaine with intent to traffic (sell, give, transport, deliver, or distribute). Under the CDSA, cocaine is a Schedule I substance.

Maximum penalty: For trafficking or possession for the purpose of trafficking in a Schedule I substance, the offence is indictable and carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life.

Sentencing reality: A “life maximum” sets the ceiling. The actual sentence (if convicted) depends on factors like quantity, role in distribution, prior record, and other aggravating/mitigating circumstances.

2) Possession of a Schedule I substance (opioid)

This charge alleges simple possession of a Schedule I substance (police describe the substance as an opioid). Under the CDSA, simple possession is typically a hybrid offence (the Crown can proceed by indictment or summary conviction, depending on circumstances).

Maximum penalties for Schedule I possession:

• Indictable: up to 7 years imprisonment

• Summary conviction: for a first offence, up to a $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail; for subsequent offences, up to a $2,000 fine and/or 1 year jail

3) Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

This charge alleges the accused possessed property (or proceeds) knowing it was obtained directly or indirectly from an indictable offence. When the value is over $5,000, the Criminal Code sets a higher penalty bracket.

Maximum penalty: If prosecuted by indictment, up to 10 years imprisonment (summary conviction is also available under the section).

4) Failure to comply with release order (nine counts)

Police allege nine separate breaches of a release order condition(s), excluding a failure-to-attend-court condition. Each count is its own allegation.

Maximum penalties:

• Indictable: up to 2 years imprisonment

• Summary conviction: where a section does not set a specific summary penalty, the Criminal Code’s general summary maximum is up to a $5,000 fine and/or 2 years less a day in jail

Why it matters at sentencing: Multiple breach counts can be treated seriously because they involve alleged non-compliance with court-ordered conditions.

Sentencing factors the court must weigh in drug cases

Even where there is no mandatory minimum penalty, the CDSA directs judges to consider specific aggravating factors at sentencing for designated drug offences—such as use or threats of violence, weapons, trafficking near schools or places frequented by youth, trafficking to a person under 18, involving a person under 18, and prior convictions.

Separately, Parliament has moved away from mandatory minimum sentences in the CDSA, increasing judicial discretion while leaving high maximums (including life) in place for serious trafficking offences.

Police ask public to report information

Anyone with information about crime in the community is asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).