Drug enforcement remains a top priority in Wiikwemkoong
Drug enforcement remains a top priority for the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) which has charged four people with drug related charges involved in recent incidents.
On October 12 WTPS received a call for service on an assault. WTPS officers attended and arrested one male and upon arrest officers located suspected drugs. The male was arrested and charged.
As a result of this incident, the following charges were laid against Nathan Trudeau, 27, from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT). He was charged with possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking cocaine (he also had prior charges on file).
Mr. Trudeau was released on an appearance notice with a court date of December 3.
On October 19, WTPS were on general patrol when a person wanted by the police was observed in Wiikwemkoong.
WTPS followed the vehicle within the village of Wiikwemkoong to a local store and confronted the accused. The accused tried to escape by foot, but an officer gained control of the accused with the assistance of another officer.
As a result of this incident Michael Bell, 34, from Wiikwemkoong was charged with possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking other drugs (having other charges on file).
The accused was remanded into custody for a bail court hearing scheduled to take place December 4.
On November 16 WTPS received a report of a suspicious person in Wiikwemkoong.
WTPS officers responded and located a female to be under the influence of suspected drugs. Upon further investigation, Heather Mahgagahbow, 51, from WUT, was charged with possession of a schedule one substance, cocaine, for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking, opioid. The accused was released on undertaking with a court date set for December 17.
On November 21, WTPS received a report that a male youth was selling drugs. WTPS officers spoke to the complainant and the 14-year-old male from Wiikwemkoong was charged with possession of a schedule one substance, cocaine, trafficking in schedule one substance, cocaine, and fail to comply with sentence.
The male youth attended bail court and was remanded into custody.
Police are requesting anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact police at (705) 370-3141. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at (800- 222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Impaired driver charged after calling police on themselves
One person has been arrested and charged after they called police to report their location following a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver.
On November 23 at approximately 4:30 am, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP received a traffic complaint in the area of Wood Street in Espanola regarding a possible impaired driver. Shortly after, the driver called police to report their location. Police attended the location provided, and further testing on scene resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.
As a result, the driver, Merek Manninen, 24, of Espanola was charged with operation while impaired by alcohol and operation while impaired blood alcohol concentration of 80 plus.
The driver’s licence was suspended and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on January 6.
The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “Make the Call” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.
OPP winter driving
Manitoulin OPP encourages safe winter driving
The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging all drivers to prioritize safety as the winter driving season begins. With the first snowfall of the season, the Manitoulin OPP has already responded to several collisions.
To help keep our roads safe the OPP is requesting drivers to consider the following tips: Monitor weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before travelling. If severe weather is forecasted, give yourself extra time and consider delaying non-essential trips. “Before heading out, we encourage you to check the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Ontario 511.”
Winterize your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter by checking your antifreeze, battery, tire pressure and tread, brakes, headlights and windshield wipers. Winter tires are recommended for better traction.
Ensure regular maintenance. Make sure your gas tank is at least half full to prevent condensation in your fuel tank and to avoid running out of gas. If your fuel tank is half full, considerate it empty and refuel.
Clear all snow and ice. Before driving, make sure to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle to maximize your visibility. Always have an ice scraper in your vehicle.
Drive with caution, by reducing your speed, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden maneuvers to prevent yourself from losing control in the snow or ice.
Stay focused. Keep your attention on the road and avoid distractions such as mobile devices.
The OPP recommends driving being prepared for emergencies. Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. This should include a shovel, blanket, warm clothes, high-energy food, booster cables, flashlight, matches and a first aid kit. It is important to dress for winter even though you will be in your car; This prepares you or if you become stranded.
Use full headlights. During winter months, consider using your full headlights. Daylight running light do not engage the taillights, and this makes it difficult for the drivers behind to see you.
Avoid stopping suddenly. If you need to stop, find a safe place off the road to do so. Stopping in the middle of the road, especially in poor visibility conditions, can cause serious accidents.
Look out for each other. Remember that everyone on the road is just trying to reach their destination safely. Be patient and considerate with other drivers as they navigate through severe weather this season.
For more information about safe winter driving, please visit www.mto.gov.on.ca
Fire destroys vacant house in M’Chigeeng
A vacant home in M’Chigeeng First Nation was totally destroyed in a fire that took place this past Saturday evening.
Andrew Corbiere, fire chief of the M’Chigeeng Volunteer Fire Department said the fire took place on 44 Bebonang Street in M’Chigeeng on Saturday, November 30.
“We don’t know what caused the fire,” said Fire Chief Corbiere. However, he said the blaze is being deemed suspicious and the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service is investigating, and the Ontario Fire Marshal has been notified. M’Chigeeng Fire Department received the call of the fire just after 6 pm on Saturday.
Through the Manitoulin Mutual Aid Fire Service Fire Chief Corbiere had contacted the Central Manitoulin and Billings fire departments, as a precaution, as there was a large propane tank in the area of the fire. “Their assistance was much appreciated.” He wasn’t sure who had requested support from Gore Bay and NEMI fire departments, “but their response was very much appreciated as well,” said Fire Chief Corbiere.
Firefighters from NEMI, Central Manitoulin, Billings and Gore Bay responded to the call. One firefighter said that 12 fire trucks were on the scene at one time with about 40 volunteer firefighters answering the call. “It shows the support of the mutual aid agreement works when called upon in time of need,” said fire chief Corbiere.
