Loaded firearm, drugs, more seized in northwestern Ont. bust

Ontario Provincial Police seized a loaded handgun while executing search warrants at two Thunder Bay homes, a vehicle and a mobile trailer in Kakabeka Falls in July 2025. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

Four individuals are facing multiple drug and possession charges following an Ontario Provincial Police investigation into a suspected trafficking network in northwestern Ontario.

The OPP’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau launched the probe in April 2025, targeting an alleged operation supplying methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl to Thunder Bay and nearby communities.

Search warrants yield drugs, handgun

On July 17 and 18, police executed search warrants at two Thunder Bay homes, a vehicle and a mobile trailer in Kakabeka Falls. Officers seized a loaded handgun, 15 grams of suspected fentanyl, 150 grams of suspected cocaine, 84 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 14 oxycodone tablets, fake IDs and a “significant” amount of cash along with other drug trafficking paraphernalia – including cellphones, digital scales and packaging materials.

“The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $27,000,” OPP said in a news release Thursday.

A 2005 Honda street bike was also seized as part of the raids.

Four charged

As a result of the investigation, a 43-year-old Red Rock man faces charges including drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, possessing an identity document (ID) without a lawful excuse and failing to comply with probation. A 39-year-old Nipigon woman was charged with two counts of drug trafficking, unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm and breaching a release order.

Additionally, two Thunder Bay residents – a 57-year-old man and a 29-year-old – each face charges of drug trafficking and possession of crime-related property.

Two accused were remanded into custody, while the Thunder Bay residents were released. All four are scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 27.

Police urged the public to report illegal activities

“Anyone with any information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illegal drugs or firearms should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously,” said police.