A drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the arrest of eight people and the seizure of suspected illicit substances.
The Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, executed search warrants at two residences and a vehicle on Tuesday, May 27.
A vehicle identified as part of the investigation was stopped by police on Highway 11/17 east of Thunder Bay.
Two occupants of the vehicle were arrested and taken into custody.
Later in the day, the Thunder Bay Police Service Emergency Task Unit executed search warrants at two residences — one on Picton Avenue and the other on Donald Street.
Searches of those residences led to six people being arrested and taken into custody.
Through the investigation, police seized quantities of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
Renae SWEETLAND, 20, from Toronto, and Keston HINTON, 23, from Scarborough, are charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl), and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000. HINTON is also charged with Failure to Comply with a Release Order x2.
Elijah GILMORE-BENT, 22, from southern Ontario; Chantal SHAPWAYKEESIC, 28, from Thunder Bay, and Andre Williams, 19, from Scarborough, are charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine) and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000.
Isaiah COOMBS-CAMPBELL, 19, from Pickering; Nakiel ATKINS, 26, from Oshawa, and Peter BOGDALA, 50, from Thunder Bay, are charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl), and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000.
The accused individuals appeared in court on Wednesday and have been remanded into custody with future appearance dates.