Four arrested, drugs seized following search of north side business and residence

November 21, 2025

TB25045850

Four people, including one from Southern Ontario, have been arrested and face charges after a search warrant was executed at a business and residence on the city's north side.


Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, executed a warrant at a business and residence in the 300 block of Shuniah Street at about 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20.


The warrant was obtained as a result of an investigation into suspected drug trafficking at that address.


Police located quantities of suspected cocaine with a street value exceeding $17,000.00, along with Canadian currency, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.


Shelley BACHYNSKI, 55 of Thunder Bay; James CRESSMAN, 56, of Thunder Bay; Bonnie LAGRANGE, 36, of Thunder Bay; and Lindsay ORELLANA, 29, of Toronto, are charged with;  

·   Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine

·   Proceeds of Crime


The accused have appeared in court.


CRESSMAN and ORELLANA have been remanded into custody with future appearance dates.


BACHYNSKI and LAGRANCE have been released with future appearance dates.  

Police response to weapons call leads to aggravated assault charge

December 10, 2025
TB25048207 & TB24021182

Cybercrime investigation leads to charges

December 9, 2025
TB25044096

December 2025

December 8, 2025
Your Questions Answered: Q. Why are there repeat offenders out committing crimes? A. A new “Bail and Sentencing Reform Act” aims to increase public safety and make it more difficult for people to reoffend. It is under consideration by Parliament. Many people – including police - are frustrated when they see repeat offenders. After police lay charges, release decisions are made by the courts. Police leaders across Ontario, including ours, support bail reform to better address repeat and high-risk offenders. In the meantime, we continue to lay charges, request appropriate release conditions, and work with justice and community partners to help prevent further crime. Q. If police know about a house where drugs are being sold, why can’t they just shut it down? A. Police work hard to address drug-related activity in neighbourhoods. Police need solid, lawful evidence that meets the requirements for warrants and charges that will hold up in court. It helps to get calls from the community about suspected drug activity. Sometimes, even after arrests, drug activity can continue because: New people take over, especially in organized groups. The property can’t be seized even though arrests were made. Landlords must follow their own legal steps. Accused individuals may be released while awaiting trial and return to the same place.