Intelligence-led raids net cocaine, cash and a prohibited weapon

THUNDER BAY, ON — The battle against illegal drugs continues with Police gaining another victory. The latest is an OPP-led investigation has resulted in the seizure of suspected 1.2 kg of cocaine, 20 g of crack cocaine, $84,000 in Canadian currency, a conducted energy weapon (prohibited weapon) and multiple cell phones.

Search warrants were executed on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at a hotel, a business, and a vehicle in Thunder Bay by the Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) with support from the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Emergency Tactical Unit, the OPP North West Region Intelligence Unit, Thunder Bay OPP Community Street Crime Unit, and Thunder Bay OPP Detachment members.

Investigators estimate the seized drugs carry a street value exceeding $120,000.

Police have charged Andre CALLAGHAN, 42, of Hamilton with the following offences:

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose — Criminal Code s.88

• Possession of a prohibited device contrary to prohibition order — Criminal Code s.117.01(1) (three counts)

• Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000 — Criminal Code s.354(1)(a)

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) — CDSA s.5(2)

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. All charges are allegations; the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

What the charges mean — and potential penalties upon conviction

Possession for the purpose of trafficking (CDSA s.5(2))

• Applies when the Crown alleges drugs were held to sell/traffic, not simple possession.

• For Schedule I substances like cocaine, the offence is indictable with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Courts often weigh factors such as quantity, packaging, scales/ledgers, cash, weapons, prior record, and any aggravating factors (e.g., trafficking near schools or to youth). There is no mandatory minimum sentence currently in force for this offence; outcomes range from custodial sentences to, more rarely, non-custodial dispositions in exceptional circumstances.

Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000 (CC s.354(1)(a))

• Allegation that money or property was obtained directly or indirectly from the commission of an offence.

• Indictable maximum: 10 years’ imprisonment. Conviction can trigger forfeiture of seized proceeds and related property.

Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (CC s.88)

• Involves possessing a weapon while intending to use it to commit an offence or to cause harm/fear.

• Hybrid offence (Crown elects summary or indictable). Indictable maximum: 10 years. Judges may also order weapons prohibitions and forfeiture.

Possession of a prohibited device contrary to prohibition order (CC s.117.01(1))

• Allegation of possessing a prohibited weapon/device (e.g., a conducted energy weapon) while bound by a court-ordered prohibition.

• Indictable maximum: 10 years. Conviction often results in extended prohibition orders, and potential forfeiture of the device.

Sentencing note: Actual penalties are determined by the court after considering the facts, aggravating/mitigating factors, Gladue principles (where applicable), guilty plea/rehabilitation steps, and case law. The above are statutory maximums and general guidance, not legal advice.

About PGNG

The Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) in North West Region includes members from the OPP, TBPS, and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, with support from the RCMP. PGNG targets street gangs, multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking, and illegal firearms.

Anyone with information about illegal firearms or drug trafficking can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.