Traffic stop leads to arrest and multiple trafficking-related charges

KENORA, ON — Kenora Ontario Provincial Police say a January 24, 2026 traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a Kenora woman and the seizure of suspected drugs, cash, and other items. OPP estimate the combined street value of the drugs at about $47,566.

Police allege they seized:

• 23.93 g of suspected psilocybin

• 31.03 g of suspected methamphetamine

• 58.5 pills of suspected oxycodone

• 46.49 g of suspected fentanyl

• Cell phones, knives, and Canadian currency

OPP say Stephanie POCIUK, 32, of Kenora was arrested and charged. The allegations have not been proven in court.

What “possession for the purpose of trafficking” means

Three of the charges allege possession for the purpose of trafficking—a CDSA offence that goes beyond “simple possession.” In plain terms, the Crown must prove two core things:

1. the accused possessed a controlled substance, and

2. the possession was for the purpose of trafficking (not personal use).

Under the CDSA, “traffic” is defined broadly and can include selling, giving, transferring, transporting, sending, delivering, or even offering to do those things (outside legal authority).

Potential penalties on conviction: Schedule I vs. Schedule III

Because Canadian sentencing depends on the substance schedule and how the Crown proceeds, the maximum penalties differ significantly:

Schedule I substances (methamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl — as alleged by OPP)

For possession for the purpose of trafficking involving Schedule I or II substances, the CDSA sets a maximum penalty of life imprisonment (indictable).

Schedule III substance (psilocybin — as alleged by OPP)

For possession for the purpose of trafficking involving Schedule III (or V) substances, the CDSA provides:

• Up to 10 years if prosecuted by indictment, or

• Up to 18 months if prosecuted by summary conviction.

Sentencing factors the court must consider in drug cases

If there is a conviction for a “designated substance offence,” the CDSA requires the court to consider aggravating factors where relevant—such as weapons, threats/violence, trafficking near schools or places frequented by youth, trafficking to minors, prior convictions, or involving a person under 18 in the offence.

“Possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000” — what it alleges

This charge generally alleges a person had property or proceeds (often cash) knowing it was obtained directly or indirectly from an indictable offence.

For cases where the value is not more than $5,000, the Criminal Code sets a maximum of:

• Up to 2 years if prosecuted by indictment, or

• If prosecuted summarily, the general summary-conviction penalty applies (up to $5,000 fine and/or 2 years less a day).

“Failure to comply with release order” — what it means and potential penalties

OPP also allege three counts of failing to comply with a release order condition (other than attending court), an offence against the administration of justice.

The Criminal Code provides a maximum of:

• Up to 2 years if prosecuted by indictment, or

• If prosecuted summarily, the general summary-conviction penalty applies (up to $5,000 fine and/or 2 years less a day).

Court appearance

OPP say the accused was held in custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on January 24, 2026.

Police ask public to report drug trafficking

Anyone with information about illicit drug trafficking can contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) to remain anonymous.