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.

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FRAUD FRIDAY: Account security

August 1, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to provide advice to the public on how to avoid being victimized by fraud. Police are encouraging people to take steps to safeguard their accounts to prevent potential scammers from gaining access. One important way to keep accounts secure is to protect ID and password information. Some recommended best practices include choosing a strong password with a combination of numbers, letters and symbols, and to use unique passwords for financial, email, and social media accounts. As well, it’s important to regularly monitor financial accounts to be able to detect any nefarious activity as quickly as possible and to report any breaches to your financial institution immediately.  The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by fraud. Prevention is the best protection against fraud. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime