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.

Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

August 27, 2026
TB26004555 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in February 2026, in response to a report of an individual possessing and attempting to access Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) through the Bing search engine. In July a home was searched on Thunder Bay’s south end leading to the seizure of 10 electronic devices. On August 26, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Blair O’CONNOR from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

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August 2026

August 26, 2026
Recently, an officer was assaulted while responding to a robbery call. Because of bystander video, the community is well aware of that incident, but there are others. An officer was assaulted last week while responding to a mischief call. Violence against those entrusted with protecting our community is unacceptable yet continues to occur. Assaults against police: Total in 2025: 56 Total in 2024: 68 There should be none at all. In difficult moments, our members stand together, supporting one another with strength, compassion and an unwavering sense of duty. That bond reflects what it means to be part of the policing family: no member faces adversity alone. I stand firmly with our officers and thank residents for the support they continue to show them. I am deeply proud of the professionalism, integrity, courage and teamwork our members demonstrate every day. Their commitment shows that policing is a calling to serve and protect. The same qualities that make me proud of our members are the qualities we seek in those who will serve alongside them. If you want to be part of something greater than yourself and to make a positive difference in our community, I invite you to consider joining our policing family. We welcome applications from new and experienced officers, as well as people bringing valuable skills from other careers. There is no single path to policing—only a shared commitment to service, integrity, teamwork and community. Together, through respect, vigilance and partnership, we will continue building a safer Thunder Bay. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police