GTA man charged after Thunder Bay drug bust

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is shown in winter weather in this undated photo. (File Photo/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 55-year-old Toronto resident is facing drug trafficking charges following a police investigation in Thunder Bay.

The Ontario Provincial Police-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team, including members from the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and the Thunder Bay Police Service, began an intelligence-led investigation in January into alleged drug trafficking in Thunder Bay and surrounding communities.

On Jan. 22, investigators with assistance from various OPP teams conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle near Dawson Road in Thunder Bay.

Police said officers seized approximately 450 grams of suspected cocaine, two cellphones, a digital scale and drug packaging materials.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique emphasized the importance of authorities working together.

“A significant seizure of suspected cocaine and offence-related property following a traffic stop in Thunder Bay demonstrates how intelligence-led investigations and collaborative policing efforts continue to strengthen public safety,” he said in a social media post related to the bust.

The accused was charged with possession of proceeds of crime and drug trafficking.

He was held for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 17.

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