The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) successfully executed two significant drug and weapons seizures, highlighting its steadfast commitment to proactive policing and addressing the critical issues of illegal drugs and firearms within the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT).
“In these two specific incidents, both of the individuals arrested are repeat offenders,” said Chief of Police Ron Gignac. “As your police service, WTPS will continue to crackdown on recidivist crime, implement our comprehensive drug strategies and do everything that we can do to prevent the flow of illegal narcotics and firearms from entering our territory.”
These successful operations are a result of WTPS officers conducting proactive community safety patrols and targeted enforcement activities around the clock. Community safety patrols are part of the force’s ongoing commitment to enhancing proactive policing measures around the trafficking and use of illegal drugs and in fulfillment of the force’s drug strategy aimed at improving community safety and security.
On Sunday, January 12, officers with the WTPS were on duty in the main village area of Wiikwemkoong.
At approximately 3 am, officers initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle. The driver was positively identified and was known to have an outstanding warrant. The male driver was placed under arrest and upon search, a quantity of suspected illegal drugs was located on his person.
Upon search of the vehicle, a large amount of suspected drugs was also located along with several firearms. The driver was then advised of the arrest for the drug and firearm offences.
Suspected cocaine was seized with a street value of $230,000, suspected fentanyl was seized with a street value of $4,500. Several firearms and ammunition were seized as well as an amount of Canadian currency.
Wiikwemkoong resident Luke Flamand, 37 years old has been charged with the following: three counts of possession of a schedule one substance contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), three counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88 of the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC), three counts of unauthorized transportation of firearms, contrary to section 86(1) of the CCC, three counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to section 91(1) of the CCC, one count of possession of proceeds of crime, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CCC.
Mr. Flamand was held in custody and was to appear in bail court on Monday, January 13 to answer to the charges.
On January 13, WTPS officers observed a person wanted on an outstanding warrant attempting to flee during their community safety patrols. After apprehending the offender following a foot pursuit, they seized several quantities of suspected fentanyl along with a 357-magnum replica pellet revolver. The offender was arrested for new offences and held for court appearance.
“I want to thank the officers and staff for their exceptional public safety focus here in Wiikwemkoong,” said Chief Gignac. “I also extend my gratitude to Chief Ominika, our band council members as well as community partner agencies supporting us. Specifically, to policing we recognize our combined forces public safety efforts. We are grateful for our steadfast relations and outstanding combined forces efforts that we have with the Ontario Provincial Police and the UCCM Anishnaabe police service. We are all working towards tremendous community safety enhancement on Manitoulin Island and in Wiikwemkoong.”
