Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation leads to several charges
September 17, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has resulted in several charges.
Officers began the investigation in August 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking.
Through the investigation two suspects were identified.
On September 3, 2026, around 7:40 PM officers with the Emergency Task Unit located and arrested a suspect in the Limbrick Street and Vale Avenue area.
A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspect cocaine, fentanyl, and Canadian cash.
On September 3, 2026, around 8:10 PM officers with the Intelligence Unit located and arrested a second suspect in the Victoria Avenue and Oakwood Avenue area.
A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl and Canadian cash.
A total of over 30 grams of suspected fentanyl and 110 grams of suspected cocaine were seized, alongside a large fixed blade knife and over $4,000 in cash.
The total estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $17,280
As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Terry PELTO of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges:
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Carrying concealed weapon
• Fail to comply with probation order
As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old William JIMOH from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges:
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
Public safety depends on trust, visibility, accountability, and partnership. Through Project Support, the Thunder Bay Police Service worked with residents, businesses, service providers, and community partners to respond to concerns in our downtown and commercial areas. The initiative combined visible patrols, outreach, wellness checks, medical assistance, service referrals, and lawful enforcement. There were more than 9,100 community and business engagements, 343 service referrals, 89 referrals accepted, 78 arrests, and 74 provincial offence notices issued. Behind those numbers are people, conversations, and opportunities to connect individuals with support while addressing behaviour that affects shared spaces. Although the pilot has concluded, visible patrols will continue as we build on what we have learned. This work began by listening to community concerns, and those conversations will continue. Recent engagement, including the “Our Safe Voice, Strong Community” event with Tapestry Women’s Network Thunder Bay, reinforced openness, understanding, and shared responsibility — values that also guide how we honour service and sacrifice. In that spirit, I invite the community to attend this year’s Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 207 S. Brodie Street. This tradition gives us an opportunity to honour police and peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. In the past year, we have seen several officers lose their lives while answering the call to serve. This is our chance to remember their dedication, recognize their sacrifice, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten. Thank you for your continued commitment to Thunder Bay. We will keep listening, working with you, and showing up for the safety and well-being of this community. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police
TB26030425, TB26030409, TB26030194, TB26030104, TB26029945, TB26029701, TB26029432 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit and Break Enter and Robbery Unit investigation into several robberies has resulted in numerous charges. On July 26, 2026, Primary Response Unit officers were dispatched to a business on May Street North in response to a report of a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. Officers obtained video footage from the incident and the investigation continued. On July 28, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business in the Fort William Road area in response to a report of a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. Officers obtained video footage from the incident and the investigation continued. On July 30, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business in the Arthur Street West area in response to a report of a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. Officers obtained video footage from the incident and the investigation continued. On July 31, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business on Arthur Street West in response to a report of a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. Officers reviewed video footage from the incident and the investigation continued. On August 1, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Support Unit followed up on a call for service from July 30, 2026, regarding a robbery at a business on Fort William Road. Officers obtained video footage from the incident and identified that it was the same suspect from the aforementioned robbery investigations started on July 26, July 28, and July 30, 2026. On August 2, 2026, through continued investigation officers with the Primary Response Unit identified the suspect. Later that same day officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business on Arthur Street West in response to a weapons call. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. The Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the investigation on August 4, 2026. The BEAR Unit followed up on a call for service from August 1, 2026, regarding a robbery that had occurred at a business in the May Street North area. Later that day officers with the BEAR Unit connected the suspect to additional investigations leading to a re-arrest where more charges were laid. As a result of the investigations, 37-year-old Jacob SAMSON of Webequie First Nation is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (four counts) · Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (six counts) · Uttering Threats – cause death or bodily harm · Fail to comply with probation order (eight counts) · Failure to comply with release order (seven counts) · Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose (three counts) · Robbery with weapon The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
TB26035122 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has led to several charges. Officers began the investigation in early 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. As part of the investigation, on September 2, 2026, officers searched a home in the Limbrick Street area and a property in the Rosslyn Road area. During the searches the following was seized: • 180 grams of fentanyl • 170 grams of crack cocaine • 31 Hydromorphone • 632 Clonazepam pills • Roughly $10,000.00 in cash • One loaded Glock 9mm with an extended mag • 9mm and 223 rounds • Sawed off 12 gauge and 2 rounds • Ruger .22 Cal semi auto with a box of rounds • SKS Type 56 rifle • 45 cal revolver • 2 bags of 9mm rounds and a box of 380 rounds The street value for the seized controlled substances is estimated to be over $94,000.00. Three individuals were arrested during the execution of the Limbrick Street area search warrant. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Devon FOSTER from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (other drugs) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid) (two counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Unauthorized possession of a firearm (five counts) • Unauthorized possession of a weapon • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Tampering with serial number of a firearm (two counts) • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (five counts) • Resist peace officer • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm (eight counts) As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Kristin FOSTER from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid) (two counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (other drugs) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Unauthorized possession of a firearm • Unauthorized possession of a weapon • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Tampering with serial number of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Braeden MATTINAS from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid) (two counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (other drugs) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Unauthorized possession of a firearm • Unauthorized possession of a weapon • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Tampering with serial number of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Failure to comply with release order All of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
