THUNDER BAY, ON – Two people are facing multiple drug trafficking and weapons-related charges after a joint police investigation in Thunder Bay and on Fort William First Nation (FWFN).
In June 2025, the OPP-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG), the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, and Anishinabek Police Service began an intelligence-led probe into suspected cocaine trafficking and prohibited weapons possession. With help from the OPP Canine Unit, Emergency Response Team, and Tactics and Rescue Unit, officers executed a search warrant on FWFN on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Seized Items
Officers report seizing:
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45 g suspected cocaine
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110 g suspected crack cocaine
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650 g cutting agent
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Six imitation firearms (not real firearms)
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One prohibited weapon (nunchaku)
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Ammunition
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Four cell phones
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$1,500 in Canadian currency
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Digital scales
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2010 Ford Escape as offence-related property
Charges
Ashley COLLINS, 40, of Fort William First Nation
Charged with 15 offences under the Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):
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Failure to comply with release order
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Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
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Operation while prohibited
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Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
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Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order – 7 counts
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Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition – 2 counts
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Unauthorized possession of a weapon
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Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
Status: Remanded into custody. Next court appearance: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay.
Cory QUAST, 25, of Thunder Bay
Charged with 2 offences:
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Failure to comply with release order
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Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
Status: Remanded into custody. Court appearance: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay.
About PGNG
The OPP-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team targets criminal street gang activity through intelligence-led, multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking investigations and works to reduce illegal firearms in Ontario. The team includes members from 20 police services across Ontario and Quebec, as well as the RCMP.
Call for Information
Anyone with information about illegal firearms or drug trafficking is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
All accused are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
