Firearm, drugs seized in northern Ont., man faces 14 charges

An Ontario Provincial Police led search of the suspect’s belongings on February 4, 2025, resulted in the seizure of a loaded firearm with an altered serial number, approximately 11 grams of suspected cocaine, 7 grams of suspected crack cocaine, $2,590 in cash, two digital scales and two cell phones. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 41-year-old northwestern man is facing 14 criminal charges, including multiple firearm-related offences, after a joint police investigation into drug trafficking in Thunder Bay.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team launched the investigation in January 2025, targeting illicit drug activity in the city. On Feb. 4, PGNG OPP officers alongside members of both the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and Thunder Bay Police Service arrested a suspect at a location on Arthur Street West.

Police said in a news release, the individual attempted to resist arrest but was taken into custody without further incident. The accused was also wanted on two outstanding warrants issued by the OPP and TBPS for previous offences.

A search of the suspect’s belongings resulted in the seizure of a loaded firearm with an altered serial number, approximately 11 grams of suspected cocaine, 7 grams of suspected crack cocaine, $2,590 in cash, two digital scales and two cell phones.

The accused, a 41-year-old Thunder Bay man, has been charged with multiple offences, including resisting arrest, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, careless storage of a firearm and drug trafficking. Additional charges include breaching release orders, breaching an undertaking and possession of proceeds of crime.

The suspect was held in custody pending a court appearance on Wednesday.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing, or trafficking of illicit drugs to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.