Three arrested on drug trafficking charges

July 8, 2025

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Three people — two from Toronto — face charges after a search warrant led to the seizure of suspected cocaine and fentanyl from a Thunder Bay home.


The Thunder Bay Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at a Gemstone Drive residence on Monday, July 7, obtained as a result of an investigation into suspected drug trafficking.


Officers located three suspects within the residence. All three were arrested and taken into custody.


A search of the residence led to the seizure of quantities of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, along with cash exceeding $5,000 and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.


The estimated value of drugs seized is $311,000.


Shamore CLARKE, 26, of Toronto; Jalen CONNELL-WONG, 24, of Toronto; and Jennifer VACCHER, 39, of Thunder Bay, are charged with the following:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000


The investigation was assisted by members of the OPP.


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

Police investigating sudden death

July 28, 2025
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FRAUD FRIDAY: Distraction fraud

July 25, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise awareness of fraud schemes and scams that target local residents. Distraction fraud is a tactic used by scammers where they’ll identify targets about to use a debit or credit card, such as in a store making a purchase or at an ATM. It’s common for the scheme to have multiple individuals involved and to target elderly victims. With this fraud, perpetrators will observe their targets entering the PIN of their debit or credit cards and may discretely use video recordings to detect the number. Then, the perpetrators will distract the victim while the card is stolen. The card, with the PIN, is then quickly used to withdraw cash or make high-value purchases. Anyone who has had a debit or credit card lost or stolen should contact their financial institution immediately to prevent someone else from being able to access funds. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by fraud. Prevention is the best protection against fraud. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention 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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