Investigation leads to seizure of loaded handgun, cocaine and fentanyl

April 24, 2025

Police have arrested a southern Ontario male on drug trafficking and weapons charges after seizing quantities of suspected illicit substances and a loaded handgun.

Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Emergency Task Unit executed a search warrant at a Tupper Street residence on Wednesday, April 23, as a result of an Intelligence Unit investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity.

 

A male suspect was located and taken into custody after being arrested.

 

Officers seized quantities of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, along with the firearm, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

 

The total estimated street value of the seized drugs is about $175,000.

 

Rige RICHARDS, 23, of Brampton, is charged with the following:

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5,000

•             Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

•             Careless Storage of a Firearm

•             Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

•             Possession of Prohibited Device

 

The accused appeared in court on Thursday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

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