Local Man Arrested in Drug Operation Worth $20K

THUNDER BAY, ON – A resident of Thunder Bay is now facing charges related to drugs and the Criminal Code after an investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) led to his arrest and a search at a local home.

The OPP reports that the arrest took place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with help from the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT). Investigators say they found suspected cocaine, oxycodone pills, cell phones, and Canadian currency. The total estimated value of the seized drugs and property is over $20,000.

Sean Leveille, 44 years old and from Thunder Bay, has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) as well as the Criminal Code. Police indicate that he remains in custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay at a later date.

As with any criminal case, these charges have yet to be proven in court.

Understanding the Charges – Potential Penalties if Convicted

1) Possession for Trafficking (Cocaine)

This charge claims that the individual had cocaine with plans to sell or distribute it. According to the CDSA, cocaine falls under Schedule I substances.

Maximum penalty: Trafficking or possession for trafficking in a Schedule I substance is an indictable offence which can result in life imprisonment.

Sentencing reality: While there’s a maximum of life imprisonment, actual sentences depend on various factors like amount involved, role in distribution, prior convictions, and other circumstances that could either increase or lessen penalties.

2) Possession of a Schedule I Substance (Opioid)

This charge pertains to simple possession of what police identify as an opioid classified under Schedule I. Typically considered hybrid offences under CDSA rules-where prosecutors can choose between indictment or summary conviction based on specific situations.

Maximum penalties for Schedule I possession:

Indictable: up to 7 years imprisonment

Summary conviction: For first-time offenders-up to a $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail; for repeat offenders-up to a $2,000 fine and/or 1 year jail

3) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5K

This charge alleges that the accused knowingly possessed property obtained directly or indirectly from an indictable offence. Since its value exceeds $5K , it comes with higher penalties outlined in the Criminal Code.

Maximum penalty: If pursued via indictment , potential imprisonment for up to 10 years exists (there’s also room for summary conviction under this section).

4) Failure to Comply With Release Order (Nine Counts)

This charge claims nine instances where conditions set by release orders were allegedly violated by this individual-excluding failures linked directly with attending court. Each count represents its own allegation.

• Maximum penalties:

Indictable : Up To Two Years Imprisonment

Summary Conviction : When not specifically set out elsewhere , general maximums allow fines up to Five Thousand Dollars ($5000 ) And/or Two Years Less A Day In Jail.

Why It Matters At Sentencing : Multiple breach counts often get taken seriously due simply stemming from alleged violations against court-ordered directives.

Factors Considered During Sentencing In Drug Cases

Even Without Mandatory Minimum Penalties Being Present , The CDSA Directs Judges To Weigh In Specific Aggravating Factors At Sentencing Relating To Designated Drug Offences – This Includes Instances Of Violence Or Threatened Violence , Use Of Weapons And Trafficking Near Schools/Areas Commonly Visited By Youth ; Additionally Selling To Persons Under Eighteen And Having Previous Convictions. Separately Parliament Has Moved Away From Enforcing Mandatory Minimum Sentences Within The CDSA Increasing Discretion For Judges But Retaining High Maximum Sentences That Can Include Life For Serious Trafficking Charges.

Police Urge Public To Share Information

Individuals Who May Have Details Regarding Crime Within Their Community Are Encouraged To Reach Out To The OPP At One-Eight-Eight-Three-One-Zero-One-One-Two-Two Or Contact Crime Stoppers At One-Eight-Hundred-Two-Two-Two-Eight-Four-Seven-Seven (TIPS).

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