Search Warrant Executed with CSCU, Nipigon OPP and Anishinabek Police Service Assistance

LAKE HELEN, ON — Ontario Provincial Police say two Lake Helen residents have been arrested following a drug trafficking investigation and the execution of a search warrant at a residence in the First Nation Territory of Lake Helen.

Police say that on February 18, 2026, members of the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU)—with assistance from the Nipigon OPP and the Anishinabek Police Service (APS)—carried out the warrant. Investigators report seizing suspected crack cocaine, methamphetamine pills, and $1,895 in Canadian currency. OPP estimate the combined street value of the drugs at approximately $11,250.

Charges Laid

OPP say the following charges have been laid under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code of Canada:

Amanda Bouchard, 46, of Lake Helen

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — Methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — Cocaine

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

James Netemegesic, 35, of Lake Helen

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — Methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — Cocaine

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

• Fail to comply with probation order

Police say both accused were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay.

Understanding the Charges

CDSA: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine / Cocaine)

This allegation is not simple possession. Under the CDSA, it generally means police believe the accused possessed a controlled substance with the intent to traffic (for example, sell, give, deliver, or distribute).

Both cocaine and methamphetamine are listed as Schedule I substances under the CDSA.

Criminal Code: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (Under $5,000)

This offence applies where a person is alleged to have possessed property or proceeds (including cash) knowing it was obtained directly or indirectly from the commission of an indictable offence.

Criminal Code: Failure to Comply with a Probation Order

This charge applies when an offender bound by a probation order is alleged to have failed or refused to comply with the order without reasonable excuse.

Penalties a Court Could Impose if Convicted

Sentencing depends on factors such as the circumstances, a person’s record, and whether offences are prosecuted summarily or by indictment (where applicable). The following are maximums set by law, not automatic outcomes.

CDSA Trafficking-Related Possession (Schedule I)

For possession for the purpose of trafficking involving a Schedule I substance, the CDSA sets a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life.

Criminal Code: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (Under $5,000)

Where the value is not more than $5,000, the Criminal Code provides a maximum of two years imprisonment if proceeded by indictment, or it may proceed by summary conviction.
For summary conviction offences, the general penalty provision allows for up to two years less a day in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000, unless another law sets a different penalty.

Criminal Code: Fail to Comply with Probation Order

This offence is punishable by up to four years imprisonment if prosecuted as an indictable offence, or it may proceed by summary conviction (with lower maximums).

Courts may also impose other lawful sentencing measures depending on the offence and circumstances, including probation conditions, fines, and other ancillary orders where permitted.

All charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Police Appeal for Information

OPP encourage anyone with information about illicit drug trafficking to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)..

TAGS:
Lake Helen, Nipigon OPP, Ontario Provincial Police, OPP, CSCU, Community Street Crime Unit, Anishinabek Police Service, APS, drug trafficking, search warrant, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, Schedule I, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Criminal Code, proceeds of crime, property obtained by crime, probation order, failure to comply, Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario, Regional Crime Update