THUNDER BAY — September 19, 2025 | NetNewsLedger Crime Report — A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Intelligence Unit investigation into suspected drug trafficking led to four arrests and the seizure of suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and more than $15,000 in cash on Thursday, Sept. 18.
Plainclothes officers first located two suspects in a Memorial Avenue (700 block) parking lot. One suspect allegedly attempted to flee and destroy a cell phone before both were taken into custody. Officers then executed additional warrants at an address on Cumberland Street North and residences on Machar Avenue, Windsor Street, and Crossbow Street, arresting two more suspects.
Police estimate the street value of seized drugs at $116,000, with cash seized exceeding $15,000.
Charges
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Amir ABDELRAHMAN, 61, of Brooks, AB
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine) — CDSA s.5(2)
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Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 — Criminal Code s.354; punishment s.355(a)
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Obstruct a Peace Officer — Criminal Code s.129
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Maurice BARTLEY, 57, of Thunder Bay
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine) — CDSA s.5(2)
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Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 — Criminal Code s.354; punishment s.355(a)
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Breach of an Undertaking — Criminal Code s.145(4)/(5)
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Ralston COLEY, 49, of Mississauga
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine) — CDSA s.5(2)
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Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 — Criminal Code s.354; punishment s.355(a)
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Carin UPTON, 45, of Thunder Bay
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine) — CDSA s.5(2)
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Possession of a Schedule I Substance (Fentanyl) — CDSA s.4(1)
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The accused appeared in court Friday and were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.
Penalties on Conviction: What the Court Can Impose
Important: The ranges below are statutory maximums. A sentencing judge weighs the facts, criminal history, Gladue factors where applicable, and other considerations. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking — Schedule I (e.g., cocaine, fentanyl) – s.5(2)
Maximum: Life imprisonment (indictable). (Mandatory minimums previously attached to some drug crimes have been repealed; sentencing remains case-specific.) -
Simple Possession — Schedule I (e.g., fentanyl) – s.4(1)/(3)
Maximum: 7 years (indictable); or on summary conviction, up to 6 months for a first offence (higher for subsequent), including possible fines. CDSA Sentencing Factors & Forfeiture
Courts must consider aggravating factors (e.g., violence or weapons, trafficking near schools, involving youth) and may order forfeiture of offence-related property and proceeds (cash, vehicles, equipment) under CDSA Part III (Forfeiture).
Criminal Code (Property/Administration of Justice)
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Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – s.354; punishment s.355(a)
Maximum: 10 years (indictable); hybrid offence (Crown can elect summary). -
Obstruct a Peace Officer – s.129
Maximum: 2 years (indictable) or punishable on summary conviction (hybrid). -
Breach of an Undertaking – s.145(4)/(5)
Maximum: 2 years (indictable) or summary conviction (hybrid).
Possible Ancillary Court Orders (Judge’s Discretion/Statute)
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Forfeiture of proceeds/offence-related property (cash, phones, vehicles) under CDSA Part III and Criminal Code provisions.
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DNA Order: Drug-trafficking convictions can qualify for primary/secondary designated offence DNA orders under Criminal Code s.487.051.
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Weapons Prohibition: Courts may issue discretionary weapons prohibitions (Criminal Code s.110) where safety concerns arise; mandatory prohibitions apply to certain violent/firearms offences under s.109.
Police Appeal
TBPS asks anyone with information connected to this file to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
