Project Rave leads to significant suspected illicit drug seizure, dozens of charges

August 7, 2026

TB24047484


A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has led to dozens of charges and a significant suspected illicit drug seizure.
 
The investigation dubbed Project Rave focused on targeting drug trafficking activities in the downtown north core.
 
The investigation focused on individuals involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and the disruption of associated criminal networks operating in the area.
 
Project Rave resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of approximately $300,000.
 
The investigation also led to the arrest of six individuals, with a total of 37 charges laid under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
 
As a result of this investigation, the following seizures were made: 
• 2761.59 grams suspected Cocaine 
• 1167 suspected Percocet tablets 
• 383 grams suspected Crystal Methamphetamine 
• Currency more than $5000 
• 2 vehicles 
• Brass knuckles and switchblade 
• 5 cellular devices 
• 4 digital scales
 
Investigators additionally seized two vehicles and more than $5,000 in Canadian.
 
On July 16, 2026, members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit and Emergency Task Unit, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, executed five search warrants at locations throughout the City of Thunder Bay.
 
As a result of this investigation, the following individuals have been arrested as a result of Project Rave:
 
David CAIRNS, 41 of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (five counts) 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (six counts) 
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine 
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid 
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine 
• Conspiracy to commit indictable offence
 
Trentin HOLMQUIST, 22 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (four counts) 
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm 
• Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (three counts) 
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine 
• Conspiracy to commit indictable offence
 
Erica NEVERLY, 40 from Thunder Bay is 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 a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - methamphetamine
 
Melanie PRIMEAU, 29 from Thunder Bay is 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 proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 
• Conspiracy to commit indictable offence
 
Celina SUTHERLAND, 39 of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
 
Jesse DAROSA, 35 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 
• Conspiracy to commit indictable offence
 
CAIRNS and HOLMQUIST were remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.
 
The remaining accused were released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.
 
The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation.
 
The Thunder Bay Police Service also acknowledges valuable contributions of the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Sudbury Police Service, and the Winnipeg Police Service, whose partnerships and assistance were instrumental to the success of this investigation. 


The investigation remains ongoing.

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The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public that there have been several reported incidents of local residents being targeted by the grandparent scam within the last few days. The grandparent scam involves phone calls to potential victims claiming that a family member was involved in an accident or had been arrested, with money being urgently needed to assist with their situation. The fraudster may claim to be a lawyer, police officer, or have some other role with the court system. The scammers may also use spoofing to have call display appear to show a legitimate phone number. These calls typically target elderly residents or other vulnerable individuals. Recent reports have indicated the scammers have been demanding $5,000 and that the potential victim keep the matter a secret. The scam may involve having someone attend the victim’s residence to collect the amount in cash. Police advise community members contacted by a suspected scammer to remember that the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone, then attempt to contact the family member who was allegedly involved. This particular scheme is most often successful when the fraudster is able to create an emotional response from the victim and make them believe the money is urgently needed. This is a common tactic to try to prevent victims from practicing due diligence and should be viewed as an indication that a scam is taking place. Prevention is the best protection against fraud. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit our Fraud Prevention page 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

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