Investigation results in seizure of drugs with value over $225K

March 14, 2025

Five people were arrested and quantities of suspected drugs have been seized after a pair of search warrants were executed.

The Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit began an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity in the fall of 2024. Several suspects were identified during the course of the investigation.

 

As a result of the investigation, search warrants were obtained and executed at a Cameron Street residence and another residence on Rona Street on Thursday, March 13.

 

Five suspects were arrested. Police seized quantities of suspected cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking and an unloaded shotgun.

 

The estimated street value of the drugs seized exceeds $225,000.

 

John DEPAOLA, 63, of Thunder Bay, is charged with the following:

•             Trafficking Cocaine x3

•             Trafficking Fentanyl

•             Unsafe Storage of a Firearm

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

•             Careless Storage of a Firearm

•             Breach of Release Order

 

Sagal ABDILLAHI, 21, of Toronto, and Sezar HERMREZ, 32, of North York, are charged with the following:

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine)

 

ABDILLAHI is also charged with Trafficking Cocaine x2.

 

Brooklyn GIBSON, 26, of Thunder Bay, and Justina VALLEY, 30, of Thunder Bay, are each charged with Unsafe Storage of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm and Careless Storage of a Firearm.

 

The accused appeared in court on Friday and have been remanded into custody with future appearance dates.

Missing Person – Bradley Allan JONES, 53

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TB25049494 The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 53-year-old Bradley Allan JONES. JONES is known to frequent the Amelia Street West area. His family has not been able to contact him since July 2025. JONES is described as a white man standing roughly 5’8”, with a medium build, and brown eyes. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact the TBPS at (807) 684-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .

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Police investigating sudden death on city’s north end

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