A joint enforcement initiative between the Treaty Three Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police has resulted in multiple charges and the seizure of suspected fentanyl, weapons and drug paraphernalia, disrupting illicit drug trafficking activity intended for the Wabigoon Lake First Nation community. Police said officers from both services were conducting a RIDE program in the community at about 11 p.m. on Oct. 2, while actively searching for two wanted individuals. “During the operation, officers stopped a vehicle after observing behaviour consistent with possible driver impairment,” Treaty Three police said in a news release. “As officers approached the vehicle, they identified one of the occupants as a wanted person sought.” Officers said further investigation led them to observe suspected drug paraphernalia in plain view within the vehicle. Arrest and seizure “During the arrest process, one individual attempted to flee the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers after a brief foot pursuit,” said police. Officers said the individual resisted arrest before being taken into custody. Police said officers located a large quantity of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $10,000, along with additional drug paraphernalia and a subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a large knife and an imitation handgun. Four people charged The investigation led to charges against four individuals: a 43-year-old man from Ignace, along with two 35-year-old men and a 29-year-old man from Wabigoon Lake First Nation. Each is charged with drug trafficking. The Ignace man is also charged with driving while under suspension. One of the 35-year-olds is charged with resisting arrest and three counts of failing to comply with a release order, while the other faces two counts of failing to comply with probation orders. “The successful outcome of this investigation highlights the value of the ongoing partnership between the Ontario Provincial Police and Treaty Three Police Service,” said police. “By working together, officers from both services were able to identify wanted individuals, remove dangerous drugs from circulation and prevent a significant quantity of suspected fentanyl from reaching the community.” The two 35-year-old males from Wabigoon were held in custody on outstanding warrants and face additional charges. The 43-year-old man from Ignace and the 29-year-old man from Wabigoon were released and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date. Anyone with information regarding the trafficking of illegal drugs is encouraged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
