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.

Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges

June 9, 2026
TB26021214 Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On June 5, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located a driver asleep behind their steering wheel with the vehicle running in the Picton Avenue and Blucher Crescent area. Further investigation led to a search of the vehicle. During the search officers located and seized over 115 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 587 grams of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and items associated with drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $150,000. As a result of the investigation, 49-year-old Jermaine WILSON, of Brampton, Ontario 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 property obtained by crime over $5,000  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Police presence expected in Ravenwood Avenue and Ray Boulevard area

June 8, 2026
TB26021683 A Thunder Bay Police Service presence is expected in the Ravenwood Avenue and Ray Boulevard area. There is no threat to public safety. No other information is available at this time.

Charge laid following Major Crime Unit investigation

June 7, 2026
TB26017520 A Thunder Bay Police Service Major Crime Unit Investigation has resulted in a charge. During the investigation, a deceased individual, later identified as 36-year-old Kelsey ANDERSON was located. On June 6, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect connected to the death. As a result of the investigation, 33-year-old Dion MCKAY of Thunder Bay has been charged with manslaughter. The accused remains in custody following their first court appearance.