Joint operation leads to $1.2M drug seizure, 22 arrests in northern Ont.

Police services seize more than $1 million in drug, $300,000 in cash and a gun in Project Albion. 22 people now charges from Timmins and James Bay coast.

Police in Timmins and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service have charged 22 people and seized $1.26 million in drugs and $300,000 in cash in a multi-jurisdictional investigation known as Project Albion.

“Project Albion is a joint forces operation led by the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, in collaboration with the Timmins Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

The investigation, which began in September of 2024, was also supported by the Lac Seul Police Service and UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service K9 Units.

“The investigation into drug trafficking activity led to the execution of six search warrants in Attawapiskat First Nation and 14 search warrants in the City of Timmins,” police said.

“Residential addresses and five motor vehicles were the subjects of these search warrants. A total of 130 charges were laid as a result of this investigation.”

Raids took place from May 13-26 in Attawapiskat First Nation and May 29 in Timmins.

Items seized include fentanyl, crystal meth, meth pills, cocaine, Percocet and OxyContin pills, hydromorphone and morphine pills, magic mushrooms (psilocybin), lorazepam, Ritalin and MDMA.

In addition to the cash, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service seized two vehicles, a rifle, a stun gun and “various paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.”

The 22 suspects include men and women who range in age from 22-75. They come from Timmins, Attawapiskat First Nation and Moose Factory First Nation. They face numerous drug trafficking, weapons and related offences.

“The charges against them are now being processed through the courts,” police said.

“Investigations relating to Project Albion remain ongoing.”