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.

March 14, 2026
TB26009342 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to request the public's assistance in locating missing person, Daniella NEKULIAK, 62. Daniella was last seen on Algoma Street North walking towards Boulevard Lake around 9:30 AM on the morning of Thursday March 12, 2026. She is described as a female, that stands roughly 5'4'’ tall with a medium build. She has medium-length grey hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a grey wool hat, white fleece jacket under a black puffy jacket, black pants, grey gloves, and brown and grey Sorel OUT N ABOUT IV Classic Women's Waterproof Boots with a white outsole. The Thunder Bay Police Service is asking for residents to check their yards, sheds, and vehicles and review any video surveillance for anyone matching her description. Officers are also looking for dashcam footage along Algoma Street North from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, on Thursday March 12, 2026. Residents in the Boulevard Lake area are also asked to remain on the lookout for anyone matching Daniella's description. If a member of the public spots Daniella, they are asked to call 911. To report any other information regarding the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. A heavy police presence continues to be expected in the Red River Road and St Patrick Square area. The Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police are assisting in the ongoing search.
March 13, 2026
TB26009342 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to request the public's assistance in locating missing person, Daniella NEKULIAK, 62. Daniella was last seen in the Red River Road and St. Patrick Square Area on March 12, 2026. She is described as a female, that stands roughly 5'4'’ tall with a medium build. She has medium-length grey hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white coat. Thunder Bay Police Service is asking for residents to check their yards, sheds, and vehicles and review any video surveillance for anyone matching her description. If a member of the public spots Daniella, they are asked to call 911. To report any other information regarding the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. A heavy police presence is expected in the Red River Road and St Patrick Square area. The Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association and the OPP are assisting in the ongoing search.
March 11, 2026
From March 1 – 7, 2026: · Officers responded to 885 Calls · 911 Calls received: 1,750 · Total calls received: 4,061