Kenora OPP Seize More Than 600 Grams of Suspected Cocaine in Drug Investigation
KENORA, Ont. — Ontario Provincial Police report two men from southern Ontario are facing drug-trafficking charges after officers seized more than 600 grams of suspected cocaine, Canadian currency and weapons during a Kenora investigation.
Two Accused Held for Court Appearance
OPP say members of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and Community Street Crime Unit, with assistance from the Kenora OPP detachment, arrested two men on April 30, 2026, as part of a drug-trafficking investigation.
Police allege a search incident to arrest found more than 600 grams of suspected cocaine, a large knife, bear spray, Canadian currency, cellphones and other items they say are consistent with drug trafficking.
The suspected drugs have an estimated street value of about $67,000, according to police.
Charges Laid
Javon Morin, 25, of Pickering, Ont., is charged with:
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine;
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000;
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Jamarl Frederick, 26, of Scarborough, Ont., is charged with:
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine;
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Both accused were being held in custody and were scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on May 1, 2026.
What the Charges Mean Under Canadian Law
The cocaine-trafficking-related charges fall under Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which prohibits possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Cocaine is listed under Schedule I of the act. For Schedule I or II substances, Section 5 provides for an indictable offence with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The proceeds charge relates to Section 354(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, which applies to possession of property or proceeds knowing that all or part of it was obtained by crime. For property valued at $5,000 or less, Section 355 allows a maximum sentence of two years in prison if prosecuted by indictment, or summary-conviction penalties if prosecuted summarily.
The weapon charge relates to Section 88 of the Criminal Code, which covers carrying or possessing a weapon, imitation weapon, prohibited device, ammunition or prohibited ammunition for a purpose dangerous to the public peace or for the purpose of committing an offence. The maximum sentence is 10 years if prosecuted by indictment, or summary-conviction penalties if prosecuted summarily.
For summary-conviction offences where no other penalty is set, the Criminal Code provides for a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years less a day, or both. Sentencing remains up to the court after conviction and depends on the evidence, the circumstances of the offence, the offender’s background, aggravating and mitigating factors, and the principle that a sentence must be proportionate to the gravity of the offence and the offender’s responsibility.
Regional Context for Northwestern Ontario
Drug-trafficking investigations in Kenora are significant for northwestern Ontario because the city is a key service and transportation hub near the Manitoba boundary.
Police agencies across the region have repeatedly pointed to the movement of illicit drugs along highway corridors as a public-safety concern affecting communities far beyond the point of arrest.
For residents, these investigations connect to wider concerns about addictions, community safety, organized crime, emergency response, and the pressure placed on local health and social-service systems.
Police Seek Information
OPP say anyone with information about illicit drug trafficking can contact police at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
None of the allegations has been tested in court.
All accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
