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.

Drug trafficking investigation results in seizure of illicit drugs and two firearms

June 3, 2026
TB26020832 and TB26020814 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of illicit drugs and two firearms. As part of the investigation, the Emergency Task Unit and Intelligence Unit searched two homes on Finlayson Street. During the searches suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and two guns were seized. The total street value of the drugs is approximately $19,755. As a result of the investigation, 47-year-old David CAKE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (six counts) 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 over $5,000 Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm (two counts) Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (two counts) Unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts) Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo Douglas SHAFRANSKI, a 47-year-old from Thunder Bay, and Saceriya MOHAMED, a 31-year-old of Toronto, are also facing the following charges: Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid CAKE was remanded into custody following his first court appearance. SHAFRANSKI and MOHAMED were both released from custody with a future court date.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to charges

June 1, 2026
TB26020163 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple assaults has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to reports of an assault in the Red River Road area, on May 29, 2026, just after 1:00 PM with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit which was on patrol as part of Project Support. On scene officers located an individual with injuries consistent with a stabbing. The individual attended a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. Officers were able to identify, locate, and arrest a suspect nearby. Further investigation led to additional victims being identified. No additional injuries were reported. As a result of this investigation, 54-year-old Stephane ST-CYR of Quebec is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Assault with a weapon (two counts) • Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Update: Missing Person — Richard GRAHAM

May 28, 2026
TB24032007 Richard GRAHAM is no longer the subject of a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) missing person investigation. This is now a private family matter. The family has granted permission for TBPS to disclose that Richard was located deceased. Please remove his name and images from websites and social media pages. The family wants to extend their appreciation to everyone who was involved in the search efforts. No further information will be released at this time.