M’CHIGEENG—On July 27, information received by the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service (UCCM APS) from the community regarding people trafficking controlled substances in M’Chigeeng First Nation resulted in searches and seizures.
Search warrants were obtained for the residences at 44 Pine Street and 45 Pine Street in M’Chigeeng.
UCCM APS’ Crime Unit and uniform officers, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit, OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit and OPP Canine Unit executed the warrants and arrested individuals in both residences without incident.
In the search warrant at 44 Pine Street the police found $205 in Canadian currency, approximately $2,090 in illicit controlled substances including 3.8 grams of crack cocaine (street value of $760), 133 five milligram oxycodone pills (street value of $1,330), evidence consistent with drug trafficking such as packaging material, debt lists and digital scales.
As a result, one male from Peterborough has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule one substance (crack cocaine), possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule one substance (oxycodone), possession of property obtained by crime (Canadian currency) and personation with intent to avoid arrest.
An adult female from M’Chigeeng has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule one substance, possession of property obtained by crime (Canadian currency) and obstruct peace officer.
In the second search warrant, investigation on 45 Pine Street police found $545 in Canadian currency, approximately $3,620 in illicit controlled substances including 17.9 grams of cocaine (street value $3,580), four five-milligram oxycodone pills (street value $40), a crossbow, multiple knives and machetes, evidence consistent with drug trafficking such as packaging material, debt lists and digital scales.
One young male person from Markham has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule 1 substance (cocaine), possession of a schedule one substance (oxycodone), possession of property obtained by crime (Canadian currency), possession with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice and two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Accused parties were processed by police and released with court dates to answer to their charges.
RIDE traffic stop leads to significant drug, weapons arrests
In the early morning hours of July 29, UCCM APS were conducting a reduce impaired driving everywhere (RIDE) initiative in Sheshegwaning First Nation.
A vehicle was stopped and upon speaking with the driver of the vehicle, officers observed the passenger in the back seat to be a 16-year-old male from the Greater Toronto Area who had outstanding arrest warrants held by UCCM APS for previous violent offences in M’Chigeeng First Nation.
Upon being arrested the youth was found to be in possession of both a machete and kitchen knife affixed to his hip, pepper spray in his pants pocket and a handgun was observed to be on the floor of the vehicle where the youth had been sitting. Officers seized and secured a loaded .38 calibre revolver.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested for being in joint possession of the handgun.
The vehicle was searched by police which revealed: $2,625 in Canadian currency, 23.98 grams of cocaine (street value of $4,796), a functioning scale, two cell phones, miscellaneous ammunition, dog spray, a buck knife and a baseball bat.
Charges against the young male person from the GTA (who was held for bail) include: possession of a schedule 1 substance for the propose of trafficking (cocaine), unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was prohibited or restricted weapon, possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition and possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition.
Outstanding warrant charges from three separate previous incidents were levied for the young male including two counts of assault causing bodily harm, three charges of assault with a weapon, six charges of breach of recognizance, three charges of fail to comply with undertaking break, enter a dwelling house with intent to commit indictable offence.
The adult male from Manitoulin/Sudbury area was charged with possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was prohibited or restricted weapon and possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition.
Accused parties were processed by police. The young male person was held for bail due to the severity of their current charges from this incident as well as the charges they were arrested for on the outstanding warrants. The adult male was released with a later court date as he satisfied all requirements of release.
“Community safety is a collaborative effort with our communities,” said James Killen, chief of police for the UCCM APS. “UCCM APS 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. We need your help, your information, and your assistance to affect change.”
“Drug trafficking invites residual and lateral violence into your communities, such as home invasions, serious assaults, and homicides and leads to the erosion of our communities through addiction, homelessness, and overdose deaths,” continued Chief of Police Killeen. “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 APS, OPP Community Street Crime Unit and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service remains 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,” continued 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 partnerships 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 drug trafficking and 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.
