Seven individuals arrested in drug search
Seven individuals have been charged and arrested after a Controlled Drug And Substances Act warrant investigation in M’Chigeeng First Nation in March.
On March 19, members of the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service along with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Emergency Response Team, K9 Unit and Community Street Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a residence at Mnaawnkwad Drive in M’Chigeeng.
A search of the residence revealed approximately $1,000 in Canadian currency, 99.4 kilograms of cocaine (with a street value of $19,880, 122 controlled substance pills (street value of $8,048), and property obtained by crime ($2,200).
As a result, seven individuals have been charged with 41 offences, including, but not limited to possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule one substance, cocaine; possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule one substance, morphine; possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule II substance, Vyvance; possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule III substance, biphentin; possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule III substance, methylphenidate); possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000; failure to comply with undertaking; and failure to comply with release order other than to attend court.
In an April 9 update, the UCCM Police report that the following individuals have been charged as a result of the March arrests: Brandon Anwhatin, 24; Cierra Anwhatin, 20; Carter Bebonang, 25; April Lewis, 43; RJ McLean-Corbiere, 19; Kristan Panamick, 33, all of M’Chigeeng First Nation and Tasin Rahman, 24, of North York.
“Community safety is a collaborative effort with our communities. UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service would like to remind the public that we need to work together to ensure the safety, protection and overall health and wellness of our communities,” said James Killeen, UCCM Chief of Police. “We need your help, your information, and your assistance to affect change.”
“Drug trafficking invites residual and lateral violence into our communities, such as home invasions, serious assaults and homicides, and leads to the erosion of our communities through addiction, homelessness and overdose deaths,” Chief of Police Killeen continued. “We need to speak directly with the people who have the information that we require to ensure the safety and protection of our communities. Remember information is best protected and utilized when the police can receive the information firsthand.”
“The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, OPP Community Street Crime Unit and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service remain committed to working collaboratively and will continue to focus its efforts on major crime operations that pose a direct and elevated threat to the safety, security, and wellness of our communities,” said Chief of Police Killeen. “This combined integrated street crime unit is a joint force operation and aims to identify and disrupt organized crime on Manitoulin Island through innovative technology, collaborative partnership and traditional police work resulting in the arrests of those involved, holding them accountable for their criminal activities and the seizure of illegal drugs, prohibited firearms and proceeds of crime.”
“If anyone has further information regarding any criminal activity, drug trafficking and/or organized crime, please contact UCCM Police at 705-377-7135 or Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com. Together we can make a difference.”
RIDE program yields charges
Two people have been arrested and charged after being stopped at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program.
On April 10, shortly after 2 am, officers with the Manitoulin OPP were conducting a RIDE program on Highway 6 in Espanola.
While a vehicle was stopped at the RIDE, police observed open alcohol within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle and its occupants was conducted, which led to the discovery of suspected drugs. Police located and seized approximately 56 grams of suspected cocaine and a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is approximately $8,000. Both vehicle occupants were subsequently arrested and transported to the OPP detachment.
As a result of the investigation, Kelsie Jocko, 29, from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory has been charged with: two counts of possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of a prohibited device, drive vehicle with cannabis readily available, driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available, operate motor vehicle without insurance, possession property obtained by crime under $5,000, operation while impaired-alcohol and drugs.
Jeffrey Trudeau, 36, also from Wiikwemkoong, has been charged with possession of a schedule one substance, failure to comply with release order-other than to attend court and possession of weapon for dangerous purpose.
Both accused persons were held in custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury bail court which was to take place on April 10.
The driver was issued a 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
