Three arrested on drug trafficking charges

July 8, 2025

TB25026718

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.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to manslaughter charges

August 19, 2026
TB26032479

Thunder Bay Police Service acquires ballistics lab for Forensic Identification Unit

August 19, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is pleased to announce the acquisition of a ballistics lab. The facility was developed to provide the Thunder Bay Police Service Forensic Identification (Ident) Unit with a dedicated, controlled space for firearms-related forensic work. The facility will allow trained Ident members to safely conduct test firing and recover bullets and other ballistic evidence for examination and comparison. The container was custom built locally by StrongBox Inc with ballistic safety panels which allows officers to conduct testing in the safest manner. The bullet recovery tank was purchased from Cyber National Inc out of the US which was recommended by the Ontario Centre of Forensic Sciences as one of the best options in North America and is certified to withstand shots up to .50 Caliber ammunition testing. Some of the main benefits include: • A dedicated and controlled environment for firearms testing and bullet recovery. • Improved efficiency by allowing this work to be completed locally rather than relying on outside facilities • Faster processing of firearms-related evidence and reduced delays in investigations • Improved ability to recover bullets in a condition suitable for subsequent forensic examination and comparison • Increased operational capability for the Forensic Identification Unit and support for major and firearms-related investigations The project was supported through Community Safety and Policing (CSP) grant funding, which assisted with the purchase of the bullet recovery system, and other equipment required to establish the facility.

Investigation update

August 18, 2026
TB26032479 Investigation update The Thunder Bay Police Service has updated an ongoing assault investigation to a sudden death investigation. Officers were dispatched to the area of the 1000 block of Dawson Road in the afternoon of August 15, 2026. A female was located and transported to a local hospital with injuries. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Investigators believe there is no risk to public safety at this time. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available.