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.

Fraud Friday: ATM cash-trapping scams

August 21, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to be cautious when using automated teller machines (ATMs) following reports of a cash-trapping scam in other communities. No cases of this type have been reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service at this time. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. In a cash-trapping scam, a device is placed over or inside an ATM’s cash dispenser. The machine may appear to complete the withdrawal, but the cash is held by the device. A fraudster can then return and collect it after the customer leaves. Protect yourself: • Check the ATM for loose parts, unusual attachments, or signs of tampering. • Use ATMs in well-lit, high-traffic locations whenever possible. • If cash is not dispensed, do not leave immediately. Contact your financial institution using a trusted number and report the problem to the ATM operator. • Review your account and promptly report any transaction you do not recognize. If an ATM appears to have been tampered with, do not use it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service. If you have lost money or disclosed banking information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm).

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into stolen vehicle leads to charges

August 20, 2026
TB26031063 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into the theft of a stolen motor vehicle has led to charges. On August 8, 2026, officers received a report regarding the theft of a vehicle from a business in the Central Avenue area on August 6, 2026. A review of video footage led to a suspect being identified. Officers located and arrested the suspect in the Ogden Street area on August 8, 2026. A search of the Rowand Street area that same day led to the stolen vehicle being located. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Selena SIMMONS from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft of motor vehicle • Dangerous operation • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to manslaughter charges

August 19, 2026
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