Intelligence Unit search on Margaret Street results in arrests; one accused remains in custody

THUNDER BAY — A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges, police say.

TBPS report that officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a residence on Margaret Street on Feb. 3, 2026 as part of the investigation. Police say they seized suspected cocaine, fentanyl, cash, and other items they allege are associated with drug trafficking. Two people found in the home were arrested.

As a result, Lynda McCallum, 55, of Thunder Bay is charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act)

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (Criminal Code)

• Failure to comply with release order (Criminal Code)

TBPS say McCallum remains in custody with a future court date.

Police also said a second suspect was released with a future court date and is not being named until their charges are read in court.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Understanding the charges

Possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)

This charge alleges possession of a controlled substance with the intent to traffic, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Cocaine is a Schedule I substance; the Act sets the maximum penalty at life imprisonment for trafficking or possession for the purpose of trafficking involving Schedule I or II substances.

Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime (under $5,000)

The Criminal Code offence commonly known as “possession of property obtained by crime” includes having property or proceeds knowing they were obtained by or derived from an indictable offence.

Where the value is not more than $5,000, the Code provides that the offence can proceed by indictment with a maximum of two years imprisonment, or by summary conviction.

Failure to comply with a release order

This charge generally alleges a person failed, without lawful excuse, to comply with a condition of a court-ordered release. Section 145(5) provides a maximum of two years imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment, or it can proceed by summary conviction.

For offences “punishable on summary conviction” where no different penalty is set, the Criminal Code’s general provision allows up to two years less a day and/or a $5,000 fine.

Penalties upon conviction: what the law allows

If convicted, the maximum penalties set out in law include:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Schedule I cocaine): indictable; up to life imprisonment.

• Possession of property/proceeds obtained by crime (≤ $5,000): indictable; up to two years (or summary conviction).

• Failure to comply with release order: indictable; up to two years (or summary conviction, with the general summary maximum).

Actual sentences—if there are convictions—depend on what is proven in court, the Crown’s election on hybrid offences, aggravating/mitigating factors, and sentencing principles.

File: TB26004504 (Thunder Bay Police Service)