Thunder Bay Police Service reveals results of drug trafficking projects

March 25, 2025

A pair of Thunder Bay Police Service projects combatting drug trafficking have resulted in the seizure of illicit substances with a street value of more than $1 million, along with seven firearms and two vehicles.

On Tuesday, the Thunder Bay Police Service announced results of Project Decoy and Project Incognito, a pair of major investigations led by the Intelligence Unit that began in the fall of 2024.

 

The successful completion of these investigations 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.

 

Project Decoy took place from October 2024 through December 2024, focusing on street-level purchases and addressing community complaints about suspected drug trafficking activity in neighbourhoods throughout the city.

 

The project resulted in the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of more than $750,000, along with nearly $160,000 in cash. Through the project, three handguns and one shotgun were seized.

 

Thirty-eight people were arrested and face a total of 215 charges.

 

Project Incognito culminated with the execution of search warrants at a pair of local residences earlier this month, on Thursday, March 13.

 

Police seized quantities of suspected cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. A shotgun was also seized. Five people were arrested.

 

In total, Project Incognito resulted in the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of about $300,000. Two handguns were also seized with six individuals arrested.

 

Between the two projects, more than 20 of the arrested individuals are considered non-district offenders.

 

The accused individuals have all appeared in court and have future appearance dates.

Fraud Friday: ATM cash-trapping scams

August 21, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to be cautious when using automated teller machines (ATMs) following reports of a cash-trapping scam in other communities. No cases of this type have been reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service at this time. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. In a cash-trapping scam, a device is placed over or inside an ATM’s cash dispenser. The machine may appear to complete the withdrawal, but the cash is held by the device. A fraudster can then return and collect it after the customer leaves. Protect yourself: • Check the ATM for loose parts, unusual attachments, or signs of tampering. • Use ATMs in well-lit, high-traffic locations whenever possible. • If cash is not dispensed, do not leave immediately. Contact your financial institution using a trusted number and report the problem to the ATM operator. • Review your account and promptly report any transaction you do not recognize. If an ATM appears to have been tampered with, do not use it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service. If you have lost money or disclosed banking information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm).

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into stolen vehicle leads to charges

August 20, 2026
TB26031063 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into the theft of a stolen motor vehicle has led to charges. On August 8, 2026, officers received a report regarding the theft of a vehicle from a business in the Central Avenue area on August 6, 2026. A review of video footage led to a suspect being identified. Officers located and arrested the suspect in the Ogden Street area on August 8, 2026. A search of the Rowand Street area that same day led to the stolen vehicle being located. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Selena SIMMONS from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft of motor vehicle • Dangerous operation • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to manslaughter charges

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