Two Search Warrants Executed in Fort Albany First Nation

(FORT ALBANY FIRST NATION) — Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) say three people were arrested and suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine were seized following two residential searches tied to ongoing drug trafficking investigations in Fort Albany.

Police say members of the NAPS Intelligence Unit, supported by the NAPS Emergency Response Team and frontline officers, executed search warrants at two homes on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

What Police Say Was Seized

At the first residence on Riverside Road, officers located and arrested one suspect without incident. Police say a search of the home resulted in the seizure of suspected Suboxone tablets, cash, a shotgun with ammunition, and items consistent with drug trafficking.

At the second residence on Third Street, police say two suspects were arrested without incident. A search there resulted in the seizure of suspected fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, cash, and items consistent with drug trafficking.

Charges Laid

Police say a 41-year-old man from Fort Albany First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Suboxone (opioid) for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

• Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order

• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

• Careless Storage of a Firearm

A second 41-year-old man from Fort Albany is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

A 37-year-old woman from Fort Albany First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

NAPS say all three have been released from custody with future court appearance dates. Police said the names of the accused are being withheld until the charges have been sworn before the courts.

The investigations remain ongoing. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Potential Penalties if Convicted

Under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, “possession for the purpose of trafficking” involving Schedule I substances is an indictable offence punishable by up to life imprisonment.
Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and buprenorphine (the primary opioid ingredient in Suboxone) are listed in Schedule I.

For possession of property obtained by crime where the value is not more than $5,000, the Criminal Code provides for a maximum of two years’ imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment, or prosecution by summary conviction.

For possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order, the Criminal Code sets a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment, or prosecution by summary conviction.

For unauthorized possession of a firearm (knowing possession is unauthorized), the offence is indictable with a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment.

For careless storage of a firearm, the maximum penalty is up to two years on a first offence by indictment, and up to five years for a second or subsequent offence, or prosecution by summary conviction.

Where an offence proceeds by summary conviction and no different penalty is specified, the Criminal Code’s general penalty provision sets a maximum of a $5,000 fine and/or two years less a day in jail.