Fort Frances OPP Seize Drugs, Currency and Weapons in $326K Investigation

FORT FRANCES — Ontario Provincial Police have charged two Fort Frances residents following a search warrant that police say resulted in the seizure of cocaine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, oxycodone, Canadian and U.S. currency, evidence of drug trafficking and weapons.

The case is significant for Fort Frances, Rainy River District and Northwestern Ontario because fentanyl and cocaine trafficking investigations can affect public safety, health services, policing resources and transportation corridors across the region.

Search Warrant Executed in Fort Frances

OPP say members of the Rainy River District OPP Community Street Crime Unit executed a search warrant in Fort Frances on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

The operation included assistance from the Kenora CSCU, Dryden CSCU, Kenora Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Northwest Region Emergency Response Team and the OPP Canine Unit.

Police report the approximate street value of all items seized is $326,000.

Two Fort Frances Residents Charged

Jason Alexa, 53, of Fort Frances, is charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — fentanyl; possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine; possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — hydromorphone; possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — oxycodone; possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000; possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; possession of a crossbow contrary to prohibition; and possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition.

Deidre Jarvis, 45, of Fort Frances, is charged with the same offences.

The charges have not been proven in court. Both accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

OPP say the accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances at a later date.

Legal Context: Drug Trafficking Charges

Possession for the purpose of trafficking is covered under section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The law prohibits possessing a substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV or V for the purpose of trafficking. Fentanyl, cocaine, hydromorphone and oxycodone are listed under Schedule I.

For Schedule I substances, a person convicted of trafficking or possession for the purpose of trafficking is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life. Actual sentences depend on the evidence, the amount and type of drug, the role of the accused, prior record, aggravating and mitigating factors, and other sentencing principles.

Legal Context: Proceeds and Weapons Charges

Possession of property obtained by crime is addressed under section 354 of the Criminal Code. The offence involves possessing property, anything, or proceeds knowing that all or part of it was obtained directly or indirectly from an indictable offence.

Where the value is more than $5,000, section 355 provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if prosecuted by indictment, or summary conviction penalties if the Crown proceeds summarily.

Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose falls under section 88 of the Criminal Code. The offence applies to 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 penalty is 10 years in prison if prosecuted by indictment.

Possession of a crossbow or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order is addressed under section 117.01 of the Criminal Code. That section applies where a person possesses a firearm, crossbow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, firearm part, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance while prohibited from doing so by a court order.

The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison if prosecuted by indictment.
For summary conviction offences where no other penalty is specified, the Criminal Code allows a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years less a day, or both.

Regional Impact in Northwestern Ontario

Fort Frances is a key border and highway community in Northwestern Ontario. Drug trafficking investigations in the Rainy River District can have broader implications for neighbouring communities, First Nations, highway travel and cross-border movement.

Police have not released detailed quantities for each substance seized. OPP say the investigation involved a large quantity of cocaine and fentanyl, along with other opioids and evidence of trafficking.

How to Report Drug Trafficking Information

Anyone with information about the trafficking of illicit drugs is asked to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.