Three repeat offenders charged in Manitoulin drug trafficking raid

Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service headquarters on Manitoulin Island. June 23, 2024 (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Three people face drug trafficking charges after police executed a search warrant on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island on Friday, seizing cocaine, fentanyl and cash.

Members of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police and the UCCM Police canine unit, carried out the warrant at a residence in the community on the evening of April 3.

Police said the investigation began after Wikwemikong tribal police received information about a vehicle that failed to stop at a security checkpoint.

Cash, drugs seized

Officers seized a quantity of suspected controlled substances, including cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl, along with cash.

“The total estimated street value of the drugs is approximately $11,000,” said tribal police in a new release.

Police chief pledges aggressive enforcement

“The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service is committed to aggressively targeting drug trafficking within the community,” said Chief Ron Gignac.

“Individuals who come into Wiikwemkoong to distribute illegal drugs can expect a coordinated and immediate response. Those who engage in this activity will be identified, interdicted, investigated and brought before the courts.”

Three charged

Police said two individuals were arrested inside the residence, while a third individual was located shortly thereafter at a separate address within the community.

A 34-year-old man from Richmond Hill is charged with three drug trafficking offences.

In addition, a 33-year-old woman from Wiikwemkoong is charged with two counts of failing to comply with a release order and three drug trafficking offences. A local man was also charged with failing to comply with a probation order and three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

All accused persons were held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Repeat offenders

The Wikwemikong tribal police said they had again interdicted repeat offenders, two of whom are local recidivist felons previously arrested for other crimes.

“These individuals were released by the courts, on probation, and on judicial release orders, yet disobey their terms and conditions for release that the courts have imposed upon them,” said police.

All accused persons were held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Police remain diligent

“I thank my officers and staff for their outstanding efforts and dedication, and our community members and band governance for their support and engagement in assisting us with preventing criminal activities in Wiikwemkoong,” said Gignac.

The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service said it, and its partner agencies, are working with “exceptional effort and focus” to stop the flow of illicit narcotics into the community.

Police said they continue to prioritize the disruption of drug trafficking networks within the Territory, adding that these investigations are intelligence-driven and will remain ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service – including through the force’s online reporting tool – or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

“In the case of an urgent, dangerous, or life-threatening situation to call 911,” said police.