THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Thunder Bay Police Service say a drug trafficking investigation has resulted in three arrests and the seizure of suspected drugs, a firearm, and cash.
Police report that on February 17, 2026, officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a home on Golf Links Road. During the search, three people were arrested. Police allege they seized more than $19,000 in cash, a loaded handgun, about 3.36 kilograms of suspected cocaine, and about 285 grams of suspected fentanyl.
The estimated street value of the drugs is more than $488,000, police say.
Accused and Charges
Christie REID, 40, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
-
Unlawfully in dwelling house
-
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
-
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid (police allege fentanyl)
-
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
-
Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
-
Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
-
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
-
Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
-
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Justin SKINNER, 48, of Thunder Bay, is charged with the same offences, plus:
-
Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order (five counts)
Jaylon VIKER, 23, of Thunder Bay, is charged with the same offences, plus:
-
Failure to comply with a release order
Police say all three remain in custody with a future court date.
What the Charges Mean and the Penalties on Conviction
These are allegations and have not been proven in court. If there is a conviction, the actual sentence depends on factors such as the person’s record, their role in the offence, the amounts involved, and whether the Crown proceeds by indictment or summarily on any “hybrid” offences.
1) Unlawfully in a dwelling house (Criminal Code s. 349)
This offence applies when someone enters or is in a dwelling without lawful excuse, typically where police allege the person was there to commit another indictable offence. The maximum penalty is up to 10 years in prison if prosecuted as an indictable offence.
2) Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine / fentanyl (CDSA s. 5)
Cocaine and fentanyl are Schedule I drugs. “Possession for the purpose of trafficking” means the Crown would have to prove the drugs were possessed with intent to sell, give, deliver, or distribute—not just personal use.
Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, trafficking-related offences involving Schedule I substances can carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment when prosecuted by indictment.
Mandatory minimum penalties can apply in certain drug cases depending on the circumstances, but they are not automatic in every file and can be affected by evolving court rulings.
3) Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (Criminal Code)
This charge relates to possessing cash or other property while knowing it was obtained through crime. For property over $5,000, the offence can carry up to 10 years in prison if prosecuted by indictment.
4) Firearm offences alleged in this case (Criminal Code)
Police allege a loaded handgun was seized. Several firearm charges listed are common when a restricted/prohibited firearm is found and police allege the people in the home did not have legal authority to possess it.
a) Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (s. 92)
This applies where someone allegedly had a firearm while knowing they were not authorized (for example, no licence/registration where required). It is a straight indictable offence, with a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
b) Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm (s. 91)
This generally applies when someone allegedly possesses a firearm without the proper licence and, for restricted/prohibited firearms, the required registration certificate. The Criminal Code sets a maximum of up to 5 years in prison on indictment for this offence.
c) Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm (s. 95)
This charge applies to possessing a loaded restricted/prohibited firearm (or an unloaded one with readily accessible ammunition), without being legally authorized. The Criminal Code sets a maximum of up to 14 years in prison on indictment.
d) Careless storage of a firearm (s. 86)
This offence focuses on how firearms are stored/handled. For a first offence prosecuted by indictment, the Criminal Code sets a maximum of up to 2 years in prison (and up to 5 years for a second or subsequent offence).
e) Unauthorized possession of a weapon (varies by facts)
Police sometimes lay “weapon” charges alongside firearm counts where they allege unlawful possession of a weapon, prohibited device, or related items. The exact penalty depends on the specific section applied and how the Crown proceeds.
5) Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order (Criminal Code s. 117.01)
This applies when someone is already under a court order banning them from possessing firearms/weapons/ammunition and is then found allegedly in possession again. The Criminal Code provides a maximum of up to 10 years in prison if prosecuted by indictment.
6) Failure to comply with a release order (Criminal Code s. 145)
This charge is commonly laid when a person is alleged to have breached conditions while out on release (for example, a no-contact order, curfew, or other condition). The Criminal Code sets a maximum penalty of up to 2 years in jail if prosecuted by indictment.
Court Process Note
All accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. A future court date has been set, and the allegations will be tested through the court process.
