Thunder Bay OPP concludes drug investigation with 5 arrests. Cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms seized
Thunder Bay OPP concludes drug investigation with 5 arrests. Cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms seized
THUNDER BAY – NEWS – The Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Group Avenue Crime Unit (CSCU) has concluded a months-long investigation into regional drug trafficking, ensuing within the arrest of 5 people and the seizure of serious portions of medication, firearms, and associated supplies.
The investigation concerned coordinated efforts from the Thunder Bay Police Service, Northwest Area Emergency Response Group (ERT), the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) unit, and different specialised groups.
Particulars of Arrests and Seized Proof
On January 15, 2025, a search warrant was executed in Thunder Bay, resulting in the seizure of the next objects:
142.18g of cocaine
305g of methamphetamine
A loaded handgun and two rifles
Drug trafficking paraphernalia together with weigh scales and packaging supplies
Later that day, a visitors cease by the ROPE unit resulted in extra arrests and the invention of cocaine, money, and a pistol journal. The next day, one other warrant execution yielded additional portions of methamphetamine and firearms.
Charges Filed In opposition to 5 Suspects
The next people have been charged:
Joe ROBINSON (22, Thunder Bay): A number of counts of firearm-related offenses, drug trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Matthew VILLENEUVE (22, Atikokan): Drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Jeremy BERTIN (44, Calgary): Drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and failure to adjust to launch orders.
Ashley BROWN (38, Thunder Bay): Drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Charlene KOWAL (64, Thunder Bay): Drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Potential Penalties for Convicted Offenses
The fees embrace trafficking beneath the Managed Medicine and Substances Act, which carries a possible life sentence for extreme instances. Unauthorized possession of firearms might end in as much as 10 years in jail. Repeat offenders or these violating parole face extra penalties.
How Residents Can Establish and Report Drug Exercise
Drug trafficking impacts neighborhood security and well-being. Recognizing and reporting suspicious exercise is essential.
Indicators of a Drug Home:
Frequent Guests: Excessive foot visitors in any respect hours.
Brief Stays: Guests coming into and leaving rapidly.
Extreme Safety: Lined home windows or quite a few safety cameras.
Unusual Odors: Chemical smells or uncommon exercise.
Residents are inspired to report suspected drug exercise to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously by way of Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
By working collectively, the neighborhood and legislation enforcement can cut back the hurt attributable to drug trafficking in Thunder Bay.
