Traffic stop and search warrant lead to meth, hydromorphone, MDMA seizure and two firearms, police say

KENORA, ON — Three Kenora-area residents are facing drug trafficking and firearms-related charges after an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) investigation that included a traffic stop and a search warrant execution on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

According to OPP, Kenora CSCU officers conducted the traffic stop as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, supported by the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and the Treaty Three Police Service Street Crime Unit. Two people were arrested during the stop, police say. Investigators later executed a search warrant at a local residence, where a third person was arrested.

Police report the seizures included suspected methamphetamine, hydromorphone, MDMA, multiple cell phones, two firearms, Canadian currency, and other drug paraphernalia. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $4,300.

The accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on March 9, 2026.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations must be proven in court.

What police allege was seized

OPP say the investigation resulted in the seizure of:

• Suspected methamphetamine

• Hydromorphone and MDMA

• Two firearms

• Cell phones, cash, and drug paraphernalia

Outline of the Charges

Cory Hobbs, 48, of Kenora

Police say Cory Hobbs is charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Codewith:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs (two counts)

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts)

• Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (two counts)

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Melissa Lussier, 41, of Kenora

Police say Melissa Lussier is charged under the Criminal Code with:

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts)

• Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (two counts)

Jessika Harper, 24, of Kenora

Police say Jessika Harper is charged under the CDSA with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs (two counts)

What these offences mean in law — and the penalties a judge could impose if convicted

Drug trafficking-related charges: “possession for the purpose of trafficking” (CDSA)

The “possession for the purpose of trafficking” allegation is set out in CDSA s. 5(2). If the alleged substance is a Schedule I or II drug (as stated in the charges), the CDSA provides that the offence is indictable and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

What the Crown generally must prove (in plain language): that the person had the substance, and that circumstances support an intent to traffic (such as packaging, quantity, communications, or other evidence).

Sentencing outcome: “Life” is the ceiling, not the default. If convicted, the judge must craft a fit sentence based on aggravating and mitigating factors, the individual’s record, and the role alleged in the trafficking activity.

Firearms charges under the Criminal Code

Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

This is commonly laid under Criminal Code s. 95(1), which applies to possession of a loaded prohibited/restricted firearm, or an unloaded one with readily accessible ammunition, without proper authorization/licensing and registration.

Penalty on conviction (s. 95):

• If prosecuted by indictment: up to 14 years imprisonment

• If prosecuted summarily: the general summary maximum is up to 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine(unless another specific penalty is set).

Unauthorized possession of a firearm

This is commonly laid under Criminal Code s. 91(1) (possessing a firearm without the required licence, and for restricted/prohibited firearms, without registration).

Penalty on conviction (s. 91):

• If prosecuted by indictment: up to 5 years imprisonment

• If prosecuted summarily: up to 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (general maximum).

Careless storage of a firearm (and related items)

Careless storage is set out in Criminal Code s. 86(1) (careless storage or storage without reasonable precautions for safety).

Penalty on conviction (s. 86):

• Indictable: up to 2 years for a first offence; up to 5 years for a subsequent offence

• Summary: up to 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (general maximum).

“Proceeds of crime” charge (under $5,000)

Possession of property obtained by crime / proceeds under $5,000

The offence is defined in Criminal Code s. 354(1): possessing property or proceeds knowing it was obtained directly or indirectly from an indictable offence.
The punishment provisions for the “under $5,000” category are set out in s. 355(2)(b).

Penalty on conviction (under $5,000):

• Indictable: up to 2 years imprisonment

• Summary: up to 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (general maximum).

Additional orders a judge may make if there is a conviction

Weapons prohibition orders (can be mandatory)

For certain convictions, the court must impose a weapons prohibition order. Section 109 specifically lists offences that trigger mandatory prohibitions, including Criminal Code s. 95(1) and offences “relating to” CDSA s. 5(1) or (2)(trafficking / possession for the purpose of trafficking).

Section 109 also sets minimum durations, including (for a first conviction) at least 10 years for non-prohibited firearms and lifetime prohibitions for prohibited/restricted firearms.

Forfeiture (guns and offence-related property)

If a court determines a firearms-related offence was committed and items were seized, the Criminal Code provides for forfeiture of weapons and related items in certain circumstances.
For drug cases, the CDSA also sets out a forfeiture process for offence-related property on application by the Attorney General.

Police ask public to report information

Anyone with information about crime in the community is asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).