Three suspects face trafficking charges following $110,000 drug and cash seizure by NAPS

NORTH SPIRIT LAKE FIRST NATION – REGIONAL CRIME UPDATE: Three people are facing charges after police seized over $110,000 in drugs and cash from a home in North Spirit Lake First Nation on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) — including the Intelligence Unit, Emergency Response Team, and local frontline officers — executed a search warrant at a residential address as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation in the remote Northern Ontario community.

Seizure Includes Cocaine, Oxycodone, and Cash

Upon entry, officers arrested a female suspect without incident. A thorough search of the home led to the discovery and seizure of:

• A substantial quantity of suspected cocaine

• Numerous oxycodone pills

• Over $15,500 in Canadian currency

• Drug trafficking paraphernalia

The street value of the drugs seized is estimated at nearly $95,000 CAD. In total, the value of the drugs and cash combined exceeds $110,000.

Two additional suspects were located and arrested elsewhere in the community later that day.

Charges Laid

The following individuals are facing charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code:

• A 31-year-old female from North Spirit Lake First Nation:

  • Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

  • Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

• A 53-year-old male from North Spirit Lake First Nation:

  • Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

  • Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

• A 23-year-old female from Fort Hope First Nation:

  • Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

  • Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

All three individuals were released with conditions and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date. Their names will not be released until charges are formally sworn before the court.

Broader Context

This case highlights ongoing concerns around drug trafficking in remote and northern communities, where access to supports and enforcement resources can be limited. The seizure reflects continued efforts by NAPS to disrupt the flow of illicit substances, including opioids, into First Nations communities across Northwestern Ontario.

Anyone with information related to drug activity is encouraged to contact NAPS or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers.