Pair charged in northwestern Ont. drug bust

Anishnawbek police chief optimistic about new unit New drug enforcement unit to be created at UCCM police is expected to target mid-to-upper drug traffickers.

Two people were charged in a major drug trafficking investigation in northwestern Ontario last week.

In a joint operation, members of the Treaty Three Police Service (T3PS) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a search warrant on a residence on Couchiching First Nation on June 19, T3PS said in a news release.

"Police arrested seven individuals and formally charge two, successfully concluding a month-long investigation into the illicit sale of controlled drugs and substances in Couchiching First Nation and the surrounding area," said police.

“Police seized a large amount of cocaine, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, Canadian currency and other items associated with trafficking illicit substances.”

Drug Seizure Members of the Treaty Three Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police seized a large amount of cocaine, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, Canadian currency and other items associated with trafficking illicit substances from a residence on Couchiching First Nation on June 19, 2024. (Supplied/Treaty Three Police Service)

As a result of the investigation, a 45-year-old male resident of the First Nation community and a 35-year-old woman from Fort Frances, Ont., are facing two drug trafficking-related charges and a charge of possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime.

“All individuals have been released from custody,” said police.

“The two charged individuals have been placed on several conditions and have a court date in August.”

None of the accusations has been proven in court.

Police officials reminded the public to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously with any information related to illicit sales of controlled or illegal substances.

T3PS sign - polce An undated photo of sign indication that the Treaty Three Police Service's drug enforcement and street crime units are searching a residence in relation to illegal drug activity. (Supplied/Treaty Three Police Service)