Thunder Bay OPP say seizure worth ~$1.8 million

By NetNewsLedger Staff
Category: OPP Crime Update
Date: November 18, 2025

MUNICIPALITY OF SHUNIAH, Ont. — Two people face drug-trafficking charges after Thunder Bay OPP stopped a vehicle for a Highway Traffic Act violation and seized 18 kilograms of suspected cocaine on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, shortly before 11:30 a.m. on a roadway in Shuniah.

Police place the estimated street value at approximately $1,800,000.

Following further investigation, officers charged:

Kaiona HAZEL, 26, of Oshawa

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) s.5(2))

• Trafficking in a Schedule I substance — cocaine (CDSA s.5(1))

Ashley NEWELL, 29, of Ajax

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

• Trafficking in a Schedule I substance — cocaine (CDSA s.5(1))

Both accused were held for bail and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay at a later date.

Note: The charges have not been proven in court. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

What the Charges Mean — and Possible Penalties Upon Conviction

Trafficking in a Schedule I Substance (cocaine) — CDSA s.5(1)

Plain language: Selling, administering, giving, transferring, transporting, sending, or making available cocaine—or offering to do so.
Maximum penalty (adult): Life imprisonment (indictable).
Sentencing factors: Quantity and purity of drugs; role in the operation (courier vs. organizer); evidence of planning; presence of weapons or violence; trafficking to youth; trafficking for the benefit of a criminal organization; and prior record. Courts may order forfeiture of offence-related property and impose weapons prohibitions.

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine) — CDSA s.5(2)

Plain language: Possessing cocaine with intent to traffic (e.g., bulk amounts, packaging, scales, cash).
Maximum penalty (adult): Life imprisonment (indictable).
Sentencing factors: Similar to trafficking. Larger quantities, concealment methods, and links to wider distribution networks generally attract harsher sentences. Judges may also impose probation following custody and set DNA orderswhere authorized.

Mandatory minimums: Parliament has removed most mandatory minimum sentences for drug offences in recent reforms. Judges retain broad discretion to set penalties based on the facts and applicable aggravating/mitigating factors.

Call for Information

If you have information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

If you want your community safer, and want to get rid of illegal drugs, contacting the police is one of the steps to doing just that.