Three arrested, cocaine seized following search warrant

June 25, 2025

TB25019537 & TB25024831

A drug investigation has resulted in three people being arrested.


The Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit began an investigation last month after receiving information that a male was in possession of a handgun, ammunition, and a quantity of suspected cocaine and oxycodone. The handgun, ammunition and illicit substances were all seized by police in May.


The investigation led to the Intelligence Unit and Emergency Task Unit executing a search warrant at a McLaughlin Street residence on Tuesday, June 24.


Three suspects were located and arrested.


A search of the residence led to police seizing a further quantity of suspected cocaine, along with an amount of cash believed to exceed $5,000 and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.


Tayvon VERNON, 24, of Oshawa is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine) x2, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon, Careless Storage of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon, Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition, Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000, and Failure to Comply with a Probation Order x2.


Tanisha KING, 25, of London, is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000, and Failure to Comply with a Release Order.


Scott MILLARD, 62, of Thunder Bay, is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000.


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

Thunder Bay Police respond to weapons call on city’s north end

January 18, 2026
TB26002366 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate following a weapons incident that occurred on the morning of January 18, 2026. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. A visible police presence is expected in the 10th Avenue area.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

January 15, 2026
TB26001908 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges. On January 14, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers executed a search warrant at a home on Machar Avenue. During the search suspected illegal drugs including cocaine and fentanyl were seized, along with cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Levi BELL, 37-year-old Samantha BENNETT-DOLPH, 50-year-old Devon BOND, 34-year-old Linda LEDGER, 48-year-old Kelsey TENHUNEN, 33-year-old Wayne WOODBECK, and 38-year-old Dustin WOODBECK, all from Thunder Bay, are facing the following charges: • Possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine • Possession for purpose of trafficking fentanyl • Proceeds of crime over $5,000 Wayne WOODBECK and Levi BELL have also been charged with breach of probation. Total street value of drugs seized is roughly $6,500. BENNETT-DOLPH, and BOND have been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused remain in custody with a future court date.

Police response to weapons call leads to charges

January 13, 2026
TB25050587 One person is facing charges following a police response to a weapons call. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were sent to a home on Blucher Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025, in response to reports of an altercation. Officers arrived and contained the scene. Two residents of the home were present, but the suspect had left the scene. Another call for service came in from a separate residence on Blucher Avenue while officers were speaking with the two residents. Officers were able to confirm the presence of the suspect in the second residence. Members of the Primary Response Unit and the Emergency Task Unit were able to safely arrest the suspect a short time later. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Bryson Matinet from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault (two counts) • Assault with a weapon • Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (two counts) • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Disobeying an order of court • Unauthorized possession of a firearm The accused was held in custody for a future court date.