OPP officers in the Kenora region have had a busy start to their year dealing with impaired drivers and an investigation that has seen three people charged in connection with drug trafficking.
In a release from earlier today, the OPP revealed that a drug trafficking investigation was conducted in Kenora by the OPP’s Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with assistance from the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and Treaty Three Police Service Street Crime Unit. A traffic stop was conducted in Kenora on Tuesday, Janiuary 20, 2026, as part of the investigation, whereupon two individuals were arrested and charged with multiple offences. The OPP officers also executed a search warrant at a local residence where a third individual was arrested and charged.
Police revealed that, as a result of the investigation, a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, hydromorphone and MDMA were seized, along with cell phones, two firearms, Canadian currency, and other drug paraphernalia. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $4,300.
As a result of the investigation, a 48-year-old male of Kenora is charged under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with:
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs (2)
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (2)
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (2)
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
Additionally, a 41-year-old female of Kenora is charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (2)
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (2)
Finally, a 24-year-old from Kenora is charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with:
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs (2)
The accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on March 9, 2026.
Earlier this month, OPP officers in Kenora also conducted a traffic stop that led to a motorist being charged with impaired driving.
According to the OPP, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on January 16, 2026, officers conducted the stop on Fifth Avenue South in Kenora after a vehicle failed to yield to traffic, which nearly caused a collision. As a result of the stop and subsequent investigation, a 38-year-old was charged with the following Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act offences:
- Drive motor vehicle – no license
- Fail to yield to traffic on through highway
- Operation while impaired – alcohol
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration 80mg plus
The accused driver’s license was suspended for 90 days, with the vehicle being towed and impounded for seven days. The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on February 23, 2026.
The OPP is reminding all local motorists that it is a choice, a dangerous and illegal one, to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and there is no reason to make it.
“The OPP reminds motorists that impaired driving is entirely preventable,” the OPP said.
“Plan ahead by arranging a designated driver, using public transportation, calling a taxi or rideshare service, or staying overnight if you have consumed alcohol or drugs. Road safety is a shared responsibility and choosing not to drive impaired helps keep everyone in the community safe. The OPP also encourages all drivers to regularly check the status of their driver’s license. Ensure your license is valid and renew it promptly if it has expired. Driving with an invalid or expired license can result in charges and may impact insurance and driving privileges.”
If anyone has information about crime in the community, they are encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurenceso nline you can visit www.opp.ca/reporting. Concerned citizens can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by submitting information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. If your information leads to an arrest, you may nbe eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
