The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service says three people have been charged after a search warrant was executed on M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. The Indigenous police service – including its drug enforcement and canine units – executed a search warrant at a residence on Hill Street on Oct. 4 with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police. During the search, police said officers seized a substantial amount of suspected cocaine, cash and other evidence indicative of drug trafficking. “The anticipated street value of the suspected cocaine is approximately $130,000, along with approximately $8,000 in currency,” police said in a news release posted to social media on Thursday. Three charged following investigation A 29-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man from the First Nation community along with a 22-year-old woman from Oshawa have each been charged with drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime. Police warn of trafficking’s community impact The police service used the incident to remind the public of the dangers that drug trafficking brings and the need to cooperate with authorities. “Drug trafficking can bring violence and other serious criminal activity into our communities, including home invasions, serious assaults and homicides. It can also contribute to addiction, homelessness and overdose deaths, causing lasting harm to individuals, families and communities,” police said. The service said anyone with information that could assist an investigation is encouraged to speak directly with police. “Information is best protected and acted upon when police receive it firsthand,” UCCM said.
