Regional Crime Update: Schreiber man charged after OPP drug trafficking investigation
SCHREIBER — A drug trafficking investigation in Schreiber has led to one arrest and the seizure of suspected cocaine, suspected crack cocaine, cash and a pellet handgun, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
OPP say officers with the Nipigon Detachment Community Street Crime Unit, supported by the Marathon CSCU and officers from the Marathon and Schreiber detachments, executed a search warrant at a residence in Schreiber on April 1, 2026.
Police reported seizing suspected cocaine and crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $7,000, a pellet handgun and between $15,000 and $20,000 in Canadian currency believed to be proceeds of crime.
Charges laid after Schreiber search warrant
Police say Charles Olive, 57, of Schreiber has been charged with production of a Schedule I substance — cocaine, possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine, and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 in Canada.
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Police did not announce any weapons-related charges in the information released, despite the reported seizure of a pellet handgun.
As in all criminal cases, the charges have not been proven in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Legal context on the charges
Under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, cocaine is a Schedule I substance. A charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking falls under Section 5(2) of the act, while a production charge falls under Section 7(1). For Schedule I substances, both are serious indictable offences that carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment upon conviction.
The alleged proceeds-of-crime count is tied to Section 354 of the Criminal Code, with punishment set out in Section 355. Where the value is alleged to be more than $5,000, the offence can proceed by indictment with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, or by summary conviction. The sentence actually imposed in any case depends on the facts proven in court, the Crown’s election, the accused’s record and other aggravating or mitigating factors.
Because police have alleged a production offence, that charge should be understood as an allegation before the court. The release provided by police did not include details explaining the basis for that specific allegation.
Police seek public assistance
Anyone with information about this investigation or other suspected drug trafficking activity is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information through tipshelp.com.
