Fort Frances – Regional Crime Report – A joint drug investigation in Fort Frances has led to six arrests after Ontario Provincial Police officers executed search warrants at two locations in the community. Police say about 70 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine combined were seized, along with about $1,000 in cash. The case is significant for Northwestern Ontario because it points to the continued pressure drug trafficking places on smaller border communities in the Rainy River District.
All charges have not been proven in court. All accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Joint police operation targets two Fort Frances locations
Police say the Fort Frances OPP detachment’s Community Street Crime Unit, with support from the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Kenora OPP CSCU, Dryden OPP CSCU, the Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau, the OPP canine unit and Treaty Three Police Service, executed search warrants on March 3 at the Faith Housing Complex and in the Third Street East area.
According to police, the searches resulted in the seizure of about $1,000 in cash and about 70 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine combined.
Charges laid against six accused
Natasha Jack, 23, of Fort Frances, and Yvonne Adams, 50, of Fort Frances, are each charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking a Schedule I substance — cocaine, methamphetamine and an opioid. Police released both accused from custody. They are scheduled to appear in Fort Frances court on April 23.
A 17-year-old from Toronto, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking a Schedule I substance — cocaine, methamphetamine and an opioid — and one count of possession of property or proceeds of crime under $5,000. Police said the accused was held for a bail hearing in Fort Frances on March 9. The Youth Criminal Justice Act generally prohibits publication of information that would identify a young person dealt with under the act.
A second 17-year-old, from North York, who also cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking a Schedule I substance — methamphetamine and an opioid — and one count of possession of property or proceeds of crime under $5,000. Police said that accused was also held for a Fort Frances bail hearing on March 9.
Adrianna Copenace, 27, of Fort Frances, is charged with one count of failing to comply with a release order other than to attend court. Police released the accused from custody. A first court appearance is scheduled for April 23 in Fort Frances.
Dawn Jourdain, 42, of Fort Frances, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking a Schedule I substance — methamphetamine and an opioid. Police released the accused from custody. A first court appearance is also scheduled for April 23 in Fort Frances.
Legal context on the charges
The trafficking-related counts are alleged under section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which makes it an offence to possess a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Where the substance is in Schedule I, the offence is indictable and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The property charge is tied to section 354(1) of the Criminal Code, which deals with possession of property or proceeds obtained by crime. For property valued at $5,000 or less, section 355(b) sets the punishment at up to two years if the Crown proceeds by indictment, or a summary-conviction sentence if it proceeds summarily.
The release-order allegation falls under section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code, covering failure to comply with a condition of a release order other than attending court. That offence also carries a maximum penalty of up to two years if prosecuted by indictment, or a summary-conviction sentence. Actual penalties in any case depend on the facts, the accused person’s record, the Crown election and the sentencing judge’s assessment.
Public asked to provide information
Anyone with information about this investigation or other suspected drug trafficking can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
