Thunder Bay drug bust seizes $130K in suspected drugs bound for First Nation

A member of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is shown sitting behind the wheel of a police vehicle in this undated promotional image. (File photo/Nishnawbe Aski Police Service)

A joint forces investigation into drug trafficking between Thunder Bay and a remote First Nation has resulted in the charges against three people and the seizure of substantial quantities of suspected cocaine.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, with support from Ontario Provincial Police and the Thunder Bay Police Service, executed search warrants at three residential addresses within the City of Thunder Bay on March 5.

Warrants yield cash, drugs

The search warrants were obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activity from Thunder Bay to Nibinamik First Nation.

Following the execution of their search warrants, police seized a quantity of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

“The estimated street value of drugs seized totals more than $130,000,” Nishnawbe Aski police said in a news release Tuesday.

Officers also seized more than $34,000 in cash.

Suspects taken into custody

Following their search, three suspects were identified, located and taken into custody without incident the same day.

As a result of the investigation, a 23-year-old woman, a 36-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man, all from Thunder Bay, have each been charged with drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

“The names of suspects are withheld until charges against them have been sworn in before the courts,” said police.

All three suspects have since been released from custody with conditions and court dates in May.