THUNDER BAY – A major drug trafficking investigation has led to six arrests and an estimated $300,000 in drugs.
The investigation, dubbed Project Rave, focused on individuals in the distribution of illegal drugs and associated criminal networks, according to acting inspector Shawn Harrison with the Thunder Bay Police Service.
On July 16, the police service’s intelligence unit, along with OPP and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers, executed warrants at five locations and confiscated large quantities of drugs with an estimated street value of about $300,000, Harrison said at a press conference on Friday, Aug. 7.
The seizures include over 2,700 grams of suspected cocaine, over 1,100 suspected Percocet tablets and just under 400 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
Police also found more than $5,000 in Canadian currency, two vehicles, a Dodge Ram pickup, and a Nissan sedan, brass knuckles and switchblades, as well as other items associated with drug trafficking like cell phones and digital scales.
Harrison emphasized the importance of the arrests themselves, rather than simply the quantity of drugs seized.
“We’ve had larger (drug busts) and we’ve had smaller ones. In this case, we’re also aware that the persons of interest in our investigation also had approximately $150,000 seized in an incident out west by the RCMP. So, we know that this is a very prolific group with a lot of money being spent on illicit drugs,” Harrison said.
The trafficking activities alleged by the police took place primarily in the city’s downtown north core, he said.
The investigation resulted in a total of 37 charges against the six accused.
All of the accused are currently living in Thunder Bay and none had a prior history with the local police, Harrison said.
A 41-year-old man was charged with five counts of trafficking cocaine, six counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, one count each of trafficking methamphetamine and opioids, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
A 22-year-old man was charged with four counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, possession of a restricted firearm, three counts of trafficking cocaine, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
A 40-year-old woman is charged with one count each of trafficking methamphetamine, opioids, and cocaine.
A 29-year-old woman is charged with one count each of trafficking opioids and cocaine, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
A 30-year-old woman is charged with one count of trafficking cocaine and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
A 35-year-old man is charged with one count of trafficking cocaine, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
The 41-year-old man and the 22-year-old man were remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.
The remaining accused were released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.
Harrison said it is often the case that these investigations result in the arrest of individuals living outside of the city.
“In this case, our investigation led us to all local folks, and it just seemed to work out that way. That said, we are well aware that these items come from outside of town, and our business to dealing with that occurs outside of town, includes Southern Ontario and Western Canada,” he said.
Harrison said the investigation remains ongoing as there is some follow-up that needs to be completed, but the actual body of the investigation has concluded.
