Six individuals have been charged after the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service – including its canine unit and various teams – executed a search warrant on Manitoulin Island. Police said the warrant was executed at a residence on Assance Drive on M’Chigeeng First Nation on Sept. 16 with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police. “During the search police seized a quantity of suspected cocaine, a loaded Glock 19 handgun with ammunition, an extended magazine capable of holding 24 rounds, Canadian currency, and other evidence indicative of drug trafficking,” police said in a news release. Police warn of community impact “Drug trafficking can bring violence and other serious criminal activity into our communities, including home invasions, serious assaults and homicides,” police said. “It can also contribute to addiction, homelessness and overdose deaths, causing lasting harm to individuals, families and communities.” Six face multiple charges The six individuals were each charged with two drug trafficking offences, possession of proceeds obtained by crime, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm and six other weapon and firearm related offences. The accused include three local men between the ages of 32 and 58, two local women aged 48 and 50, and a youth from the Greater Toronto Area. All of the accused were held pending bail hearings on Sept. 17. Police encourage public to come forward “Community safety depends on strong collaboration between police and the communities we serve,” said the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service. “We need your help, your information and your assistance to effect meaningful change.” Police also encouraged anyone with information that could assist this or any other investigation to speak directly with police.
