Police seize quantities of suspected drugs, two arrested

February 4, 2025

Two face drug charges after police executed search warrants at a north side residence earlier this week.

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit officers had been conducting an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity and had obtained a warrant to search a residence on Picton Avenue.

 

Officers executed that warrant on the evening of Wednesday, January 29.

 

Two suspects were located within the residence and were taken into custody.

 

Police seized quantities of suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the seized drugs exceeds $25,000. As well, officers seized a quantity of cash that totals more than $5,000.

 

Selena Lynn ESQUEGA, 39, and Mary Anne PENAGIN, 34, 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)

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Oxycodone)

• Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5,000

 

Both accused individuals appeared in court and have been remanded into custody with future appearance dates.

April 29, 2026
TB26015704 An investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Break, Enter, and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. The investigation led to a home and vehicle being searched in the Limbrick Street area on April 28, 2026. During the searches suspected crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, morphine capsules, items associated with drug trafficking and over $8,000 Canadian cash was seized. The approximate total value of the suspected controlled substances is $81,600.00. As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old Justine BEELEY of Thunder Bay and 43-year-old Jeffery MCCARTHY of Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Both of the accused were released from custody following their first court appearance, with a future court date.
April 29, 2026
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The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a sudden death following a collision involving a train and a pedestrian. The incident occurred on the evening of April 25, 2026, near Fort William Road. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to the scene where a deceased individual was located. The Forensic Identification Unit and Traffic Unit are involved in the investigation. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.