North Bay drug bust yields weapons, multiple charges

North Bay police seized a handgun, a BB gun, bear spray, ammunition, cash and a vehicle in a drug bust on Thursday evening.

Two people are facing a series of drug and weapons-related charges after an investigation by the North Bay Police Service.

Investigation and seizure

Police said the pair were arrested at about 7:35 p.m. on Nov. 13 after officers observed the accused conducting suspected drug transactions at a business in the 600 block of Lakeshore Drive.

A 37-year-old man from West Nipissing and a 29-year-old woman from Mississauga were taken into custody without incident.

Subsequent searches led to the seizure of a revolver-style .177-calibre BB gun, a Jennings .22-calibre semi-automatic handgun, 94 .22-calibre long rifle rounds, bear spray, $601.05 in cash and a 2018 Nissan Murano along with 75 millilitres of codeine, 13.6 grams of cocaine and 50.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Police said the estimated street value of the drugs seized was about $6,500.

Multiple charges

Both accused have been charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, unauthorized possession of a firearm, knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm, occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, careless storage of a firearm, possession of property obtained by crime and three counts of drug trafficking.

The man faces three additional charges related to failing to comply with probation orders, while the woman faces five additional charges for the same reason.

Police reaction

Insp. Scott McFarlane commended the work of the officers involved.

“We are committed to community safety and to holding dangerous offenders accountable,” McFarlane said in a news release.

“I’m proud of the professionalism and great work of our Street Crime Unit, along with our patrol members. Through persistence and teamwork, we were able to investigate, apprehend these individuals, and bring them to justice.”

Both accused were held in custody for a bail hearing and have been remanded into custody pending a court appearance on Nov. 19.