Police seize $380K in opioids destined for First Nations in northwestern Ont.

Police arrested a suspect Thursday in Thunder Bay connected to an investigation of drug trafficking distribution to First Nation communities in northwestern Ont.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s intelligence unit, with assistance from the Thunder Bay Police Service’s intelligence unit and the Ontario Provincial Police, executed a search warrant at a residential address on McIntosh Street in Thunder Bay on Aug. 14.

“The search warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking operations from Thunder Bay to multiple surrounding First Nation communities,” Nishnawbe Aski police said in a news release Friday.

“Aroland First Nation was among the possible target communities for distribution identified through this investigation.”

The search uncovered oxycodone and hydromorphone worth an estimated $380,000, along with $55,000 in cash.

A 67-year-old Thunder Bay man is charged with drug trafficking and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The accused has since been released with a future court appearance date of Nov. 13.