Overdose Call Reported in June 2023
FORT FRANCES — Ontario Provincial Police say an overdose investigation that began in Fort Frances in 2023 has led to an arrest and a trafficking-related charge.
OPP report that on Thursday, June 22, 2023, officers with the Rainy River District OPP attended a residence for a suspected overdose. One person was found in medical distress and taken to hospital, where they were pronounced deceased.
Arrest Made in Thunder Bay
OPP say that on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, members of the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad arrested an individual in Thunder Bay on an outstanding warrant connected to the investigation.
Charge Laid and What It Means
An 18-year-old from Fort Frances has been charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid), contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
Under the CDSA, “possession for the purpose of trafficking” alleges a person possessed a controlled substance with the intent to traffic—which can include selling, giving, transporting, sending, or delivering the substance.
Because the accused was a youth at the time of the incident, their identity is protected and cannot be published under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Potential Penalties on Conviction
For offences involving Schedule I substances, the CDSA sets out that a person convicted of trafficking or possession for the purpose of trafficking is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for life.
(Sentencing is ultimately determined by the court and depends on the circumstances of the offence and the offender.)
Multi-Agency Investigation
OPP say the investigation was led by the Rainy River District OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, with assistance from the OPP North West Region Regional Support Team and OPP Forensic Identification Services.
Overdose Emergency Guidance and Legal Protections
OPP are reminding the public that if you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people who seek emergency help during an overdose, including protection from simple possession charges and certain breach-of-condition offences tied to simple possession.
However, it does not protect against more serious offences such as trafficking, and does not apply to outstanding warrants.
Anyone With Information
Anyone with information about this investigation, or drug trafficking in the community, is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
