Three charged after death on Manitoulin Island

UCCM Anishnaabe police drug bust in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island follows a 29-year-old man’s death on Saturday.

UCCM Anishnaabe Police have laid manslaughter charges following the death of a 29-year-old man in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island over the weekend.

Police said officers responded to an ambulance assist call on Nanibozo Street around 5 p.m. on Feb. 21 after receiving reports of a man in “medical distress.”

“He was transported to the Manitoulin Health Centre and despite life-saving efforts was later pronounced dead,” the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service said in a news release Tuesday.

“The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service wishes to extend condolences to the family and community affected by this tragedy.”

Search warrant executed

The following day, UCCM police, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police, executed a search warrant at a residence on Mnaawnkwad Drive in the community.

During the search, officers seized a significant quantity of drugs, cash and ammunition, including:

• More than $30,000 in cash,
• 6 grams of cocaine,
• 5 grams of fentanyl,
• 2 grams of psilocybin (also called magic mushrooms) and
• Various ammunition including:

Charges laid

As a result of the investigation, a 26-year-old woman faces charges of manslaughter, drug trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

A 27-year-old man was also charged is charged with manslaughter, drug trafficking, two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, drug possession, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order.

While a second 27-year-old man faces charges of drug trafficking, two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, drug possession, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order, and failing to comply with a probation order.

All three accused were held in custody pending bail hearings.

CTV News has reached out to UCCM police for more information on the nature of the deceased’s medical distress but has yet to receive a response.