A drug trafficking investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit has resulted in numerous charges and a large seizure of suspected illegal drugs. Thunder Bay – NEWS – The Thunder Bay Police Service announced that an investigation focused on drug trafficking in the city’s north core led to six arrests, 37 charges, and the confiscation of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription opioid tablets valued at around $300,000. The operation, called Project Rave, involved several police agencies and concluded with five search warrants executed throughout Thunder Bay on July 16, 2026. This investigation is crucial for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario since the city acts as a transport and service center for much of the area. Major law enforcement actions against alleged trafficking networks in Thunder Bay can disrupt drug supply lines that extend beyond the city. However, police have not stated that any of those charged supplied drugs to particular Northwestern Ontario or First Nations communities.
Five search warrants executed across Thunder Bay
Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit along with the Emergency Task Unit carried out five search warrants with help from the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service. Authorities say Project Rave targeted individuals believed to be distributing illegal substances in downtown Thunder Bay’s north core while also aiming to disrupt related criminal networks. Investigators reported seizing: 2,761.59 grams of suspected cocaine; 1,167 suspected Percocet tablets; 383 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine; more than $5,000 in Canadian currency; two vehicles; brass knuckles and a switchblade; five cellular devices; and four digital scales. The estimated street value of about $300,000 is provided by police. The seized items are considered suspected drugs which would typically need lab testing for verification. Percocet is a prescription medication that contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone, cocaine, and methamphetamine are classified as Schedule I substances under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Six people charged
Police have identified those charged along with their respective offenses as follows: David Cairns, 41 years old from Thunder Bay, faces charges for: trafficking a Schedule I substance – cocaine (five counts); possession of proceeds from property obtained through crime under $5,000 (six counts); possession of methamphetamine for trafficking purposes; possession of an opioid for trafficking purposes; possession of cocaine for trafficking purposes; and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. Trentin Holmquist, 22 years old from Thunder Bay is charged with: possession of proceeds from property obtained through crime under $5,000 (four counts); unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm; trafficking cocaine (three counts); possession of cocaine for trafficking purposes; and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. Erica Neverly, 40 years old from Thunder Bay is charged with: possession of cocaine for trafficking purposes; possession of an opioid for trafficking purposes; and possession of methamphetamine for trafficking purposes. Melanie Primeau, 29 years old from Thunder Bay faces charges including: possession of cocaine for trafficking purposes; possession of an opioid for trafficking purposes; possession of proceeds obtained through crime under $5,000; and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. Celina Sutherland, 39 years old from Thunder Bay is charged with: trafficking cocaine; and possession of proceeds obtained through crime under $5,000. Jesse Darosa ,35 years old from Thunder Bay is charged with: trafficking cocaine ; possessing proceeds obtained through crime under $5 ,000 ; and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. Police mentioned that Cairns and Holmquist were kept in custody after their initial court appearances. The other four individuals were released following theirs. Future court dates were not included in the details shared by police.What drug-trafficking charges entail
Section 5(1) within the Controlled Drugs & Substances Act prohibits drug trafficking while section 5(2) forbids possessing controlled substances intending to traffic them. For Schedule I substances involved here, a conviction can be deemed as an indictable offense carrying up to life imprisonment as a maximum sentence. However, this maximum doesn’t imply that life sentences are automatically given or common. Sentencing will depend on various factors including quantity/typeof drug, the offender’s role/criminal record , levelof planning , commercial sophistication, and any aggravating conditions. Ontario appellate decisions show there’s a broad range available when it comes timefor sentencing courts. In one case involving132grams being imported/possessedfor distribution, a3½-year sentence was upheld while discussinga rangeof approximately three-to-five yearson comparable cases. In extreme situations, some leaders linkedto sophisticated organizations responsiblefor importing/traffickingupwards oftwo tonnesofcocaine received global sentences around20-22years. These examples serve just as illustrations without determiningwhat sentence might applyin Project Rave.Proceeds-of-crime charges explained
Section354(1)ofthe Criminal Code states it’s unlawfulto holdproperty or gains knowing it’sdirectlyor indirectlyobtainedfromanindictableoffense. Whenvaluesdo not exceed$5000 , section355allows prosecutionsby indictmentthatcouldcarrya maximumsentenceoftwoyears prisonorby summary conviction. For summation offenses where no specific punishmentexists, the Criminal Code allowsmaximums oftwo yearslessadayincustody, fines uptototaling$5000 or both. Dependingon circumstances/criminalrecords, sentencescan rangefromfines/probationtoimprisonment. Wherethesechargesaccompanyseriousdrug-traffickingoffenses, the overall analysismight primarily focusonthe more seriousunderlyingconduct.Conspiracy allegations regardingindictable offences
Section465(1)(c)ofthe Criminal Codeaddressesagreementsbetweenmultiplepeoplecommittingindictable offenses. Maximumpenaltiesfor conspiracyoftenmatchthose applicabletoitsrelatedindictablesubject matterallegedinconspiracycount. The specificsurroundingcriminalexposuredependsuponwhat’s officiallychargedwiththecourt/provenlater.A cooperative inquiry involvingmultiple agencies
Officerscreditedcollaborationfromvarious agencieslike Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Sudbury Police Serviceand Winnipeg Police Service. Theymentionedtheir effortsreceivedsupportthroughfundingby Ontario Ministryofthe Solicitor Generaland Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. This cross-jurisdictionalinvolvement reflectsrealitythatorganizeddruginvestigationsoftenextendbeyondmunicipalboundaries. Tunder Bayrestsonkeyeast-westhighwayrailsandairtransportcorridorsactingasagatewaytomanysmallercommunitiesin Northwestern Ontario. Simultaneously, involvementofoutsidepoliceagencies shouldn’tbe construedasevidence everyaccusedwaslinkedtocross-boundarycriminalactivities. Policehaven’tprovidedanydetailsregardingthisaspect.The investigation continues
The Thunder Bay Police Servicesaid Project Raveremainsongoing.
Morechargesorfuturecourt developmentsare possiblebutshouldnotbe assumeduntilconfirmedbyofficial channels.
Allsixdefendantsarepresumedinnocentuntil proven guilty incourt. Allallegationsremainuntestedlegally.
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