WIIKWEMKOONG–In the early morning hours of September 12, members of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service, in cooperation with the Ontario Provincial Police Tactical Response Unit, executed a controlled drugs and substances search warrant on a residence in the rural areas of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and dismantled an illegal outdoor marijuana grow operation after receiving anonymous information identifying its size and location.
As a result of the investigation and collected information, officers have seized over 200 marijuana plants (of varying size) and the items associated to offences related to the manufacturing and cultivation of cannabis marijuana. Each plant has the potential to produce approximately $1,000 worth of marijuana. In addition, there was a quantity of cannabis oil and dried plants that were seized, including firearms and ammunitions. The total estimated street value of the seized drugs is valued over $300,000.
As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant has been issued for David Bradley Shawanda, age 38, of Wiikwemkoong who has been charged with the following: discharge a firearm into or at a place in a reckless manner, produce a Schedule II substance (cannabis marijuana), possession of a Schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking over 3 kg, produce a Schedule II substance (other than marijuana), possession of a Schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking over 3 kg, unauthorized possession of a firearm and careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition.
The public is reminded that Mr. Shawanda should not be approached and anyone with information regarding his whereabouts are asked to contact the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service at (705)859-3141, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
