Two Brampton men charged after OPP drug trafficking and firearm investigation near Thunder Bay

SHUNIAH, Ont. — Two Brampton men are facing a series of firearm and drug trafficking charges after an Ontario Provincial Police street crime investigation in the Shuniah area earlier this month.

The case has immediate relevance for Thunder Bay and surrounding communities because it highlights the regional nature of gun-and-drug investigations in Northwestern Ontario, where local officers often work alongside specialized OPP units from across the province.

Police say the accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay at a later date.

Specialized OPP units assisted in arrests and seizure

According to OPP, members of the Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit arrested two suspects on Thursday, April 2, with assistance from the OPP North East Region Community Street Crime Unit, Marathon Community Street Crime Unit, Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team, North West Region Emergency Response Team and the Canine Unit.

Police said the investigation led to the seizure of oxycodone pills, cellphones and a firearm.

Isaiah Honnigan, 29, of Brampton, has been charged with possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order, careless storage of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, being an occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a weapon, knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm and possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Jahmar Hamilton, 28, of Brampton, has been charged with careless storage of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, being an occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a weapon, knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm and possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Both accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

What the charges mean under Canadian law

Several of the counts relate to specific firearm provisions in the Criminal Code. Section 117.01 covers possession of a firearm, ammunition or other listed weapons while a person is already bound by a court prohibition order. Section 86 addresses careless use, handling or storage of firearms or ammunition.

Section 88 deals with possessing a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace or for committing an offence. Section 94 applies when someone is in a motor vehicle and knows an unauthorized firearm, prohibited weapon or related item is in it.

Section 91 covers unauthorized possession without the required licence or registration, while section 92 is the more serious offence of knowingly possessing a firearm or prohibited item when the person knows that possession is unauthorized.

Section 95 covers possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, or an unloaded one with readily accessible ammunition, without lawful authority.

The drug allegation is laid under section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which makes it an offence to possess a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Sentencing exposure can be significant if there is a conviction

The available penalties vary by charge and by how the Crown proceeds. Under the Criminal Code, careless storage under section 86 can proceed by indictment or summary conviction, with indictable maximums of two years for a first offence and five years for a subsequent offence.

Sections 88, 94 and 117.01 are also hybrid offences and carry indictable maximums of up to 10 years. Section 91 is hybrid, with an indictable maximum of five years. Section 92 is indictable only and carries a maximum of 10 years. Section 95 is also hybrid and carries an indictable maximum of 14 years.

The Schedule I possession-for-the-purpose-of-trafficking charge under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is among the most serious counts alleged here, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment on indictment. Any actual sentence would depend on the facts proven in court, the nature of the weapon involved, the quantity of drugs, criminal record and other aggravating or mitigating factors.

Why the case matters in Northwestern Ontario

For Thunder Bay and area, the investigation is another reminder that drug trafficking and firearm enforcement rarely stop at one municipal boundary. Shuniah sits immediately next to Thunder Bay, and cases like this one often involve regional travel corridors, multiple police units and cross-jurisdictional intelligence sharing.

That does not determine guilt, and the charges still have to be tested in court. But from a public-safety standpoint, the seizure of a firearm and alleged trafficking quantities of opioids will draw attention in a region already grappling with addiction, violence and pressure on front-line policing.

Public asked to report information

OPP is asking anyone with information about crime in the community to contact police at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Source: OPP information provided to NetNewsLedger; legal sections and penalties verified through the federal Justice Laws website.