Six-month police probe into drug trafficking into Ontario First Nations nets 20 arrests, nearly 80 charges

The Anishinabek Police Service's six-month probe into drug trafficking into northern Ontario First Nations has yielded 20 arrests, 78 charges and more than $262,000 in drugs along with cash and weapons. (Supplied/Anishinabek Police Service)

A six-month-long investigation by the Anishinabek Police Service in northern Ontario has resulted in the seizure of multiple weapons and quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine valued at more than a quarter of a million dollars.

Anishinabek police, with support from the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, launched Project Corridor in December 2025.

“The investigation targeted a network of individuals that exploit several First Nation communities in close proximity to major Ontario highways,” said police in a news release.

Twenty individuals have been arrested and are facing more than 78 criminal charges in connection with this investigation.

Cash, drug, weapons seized

Over the course of six months, investigators obtained 11 judicial authorizations and executed nine search warrants at residences in Sagamok Anishnawbek, Parry Sound, Nipissing First Nation and Ginoogaming First Nation.

As a result of the search warrants, investigators seized:

• $55,310 in cash
• 0.6 kg of fentanyl
• 0.7 kg of cocaine
• 105g of methamphetamine
• 398 tablets — including oxycodone, codeine, codeinecodeine, clonazepam and more
• Three rifles
• a loaded Glock 26 handgun
• a replica handgun
• a baton
• ammunition

Authorities estimate the street value of the drugs seized at more than $262,000.

Official comments

“This complex investigation by Anishinabek Police Service officers required months of coordinated effort and represents a tangible disruption to the flow of crime entering our communities,” said Anishinabek Police Service Deputy Chief, Julie Craddock.

“We know from experience that many of the individuals who bring harm into First Nation communities are linked to gang violence, organized crime groups, firearms and drug trafficking.”

“Our message to criminal organizations and gang members targeting and exploiting isolated Indigenous communities is clear: You cannot operate with impunity. We will identify you and we will interrupt the flow of deadly illicit drugs coming north,” said Anishinabek Police Service Chief, Jeff Skye.

Charges laid in Sagamok Anishnawbek

A 23-year-old woman from Sagamok Anishnawbek is charged with two drug trafficking offences.

A 27-year-old man from Sagamok Anishnawbek is charged with three drug trafficking offences, possession of property obtained by crime, unauthorized possession of a firearm and careless storage of a firearm.

A 29-year-old man from Sagamok Anishnawbek is charged with identity fraud (impersonation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution, or obstruct justice) and failing to comply with a release order.

A 31-year-old woman from Sagamok Anishnawbek is charged with drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

A 34-year-old woman from Sagamok Anishnawbek is charged with drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

A 40-year-old man from Sagamok Anishnawbek is charged with drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.

A 40-year-old woman from Sagamok Anishnawbek is charged with four drug trafficking offences and possession of property obtained by crime.

A 64-year-old man from Sagamok Anishnawbek is charged possession of property obtained by crime, unauthorized possession of a firearm and careless storage of a firearm.

Charges laid in Nipissing First Nation

A 60-year-old man from Nipissing First Nation is charged with four drug trafficking offences and possession of property obtained by crime.

A 61-year-old woman from Nipissing First Nation is charged with four drug trafficking offences, possession of property obtained by crime and breaching a conditional sentence order.

Charges laid in Ginoogaming First Nation

A 41-year-old man from Ginoogaming First Nation is charged with two drug trafficking offences.

Charges laid in Parry Sound

A 31-year-old woman from Parry Sound is charged with drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm and two counts of careless storage of a firearm.

A 63-year-old man from Parry Sound is charged with drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm and two counts of careless storage of a firearm.

Charges laid against GTA residents

A 16-year-old male from North York is charged with two drug trafficking offences, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, careless use of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm and two other firearm related offences.

An 18-year-old man from North York is charged with drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime and possession of weapon for dangerous.

A 19-year-old man from North York is charged with drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime and possession of weapon for dangerous.

A 24-year-old man from North York is charged with drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

A 31-year-old male from North York is charged with two drug trafficking offences, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition and being unlawfully in a dwelling-house.

Other charges

A 41-year-old man from Longlac is charged with two drug trafficking offences and obstructing a peace officer.

A 31-year-old man from Lachine, Que. is charged with drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose and failing to comply with a release order.

Police partners

The investigation was led by the Anishinabek Police Service’s major crime unit and supported by officers with the Garden River First Nation, Sagamok, Nipissing First Nation, Wasauksing First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay) detachments.

The investigation also involved the Ontario Provincial Police, United Chiefs & Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service — including their canine units — and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario.

“We are grateful for the support and assistance we received from our policing partners to safely execute these warrants,” said Anishinabek police.

The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this Joint Forces investigation.