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.

Fraudsters impersonating Canadian Lakehead Exhibition ahead of annual Family Fair

June 23, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service has received a report from the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) regarding an unknown individual or individuals who are contacting members of the public and potential vendors regarding participation in the CLE Annual Family Fair. The fraudsters are claiming they represent the CLE. They are requesting that interested businesses complete application forms, provide personal and business information, and submit payments to reserve vendor spaces for the event. These communications are not authorized by the CLE and are not being conducted through official CLE channels. The person or persons involved do not represent the CLE in any capacity. The unauthorized use of the CLE name and event branding has the potential to mislead vendors, obtain personal information under false pretenses, and collect fraudulent payments from prospective exhibitors. EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS: canadianlakeheadvendors@gmail.com Dear Vendor, We are pleased to invite you to apply as a vendor for the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) 2026, taking place from August 5-9, 2026 at the CLE Grounds in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is one of Northwestern Ontario's largest annual fairs, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The event features a wide range of attractions including midway rides, live entertainment, food vendors, artisan markets, agricultural exhibits, and family activities, making it an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services. We are currently accepting applications from food vendors, food trucks, artisans, retail businesses, commercial exhibitors, and service providers for the 2026 event. To apply, please complete the official vendor application form below: Apply Here: CLE 2026 Vendor Application Form Important Information: Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance All applications are reviewed by the CLE vendor committee Approved vendors will receive confirmation and payment instructions Space is limited and early applications are strongly encouraged All vendors must comply with event rules, health regulations, and safety requirements We look forward to reviewing your application and hopefully welcoming you as part of CLE 2026. Warm regards, Vendor Coordination Team Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) Thunder Bay, Ontario. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm 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

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian on city’s south end

June 22, 2026
TB26023822 The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is investigating a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on the city’s south end. Emergency services responded to the Churchill Drive West and James Street North area around 4:45 AM on June 21, 2026. An individual was located with life-threatening injuries and they were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Traffic Unit and Forensic Identification Unit are involved in the ongoing investigation. TBPS is aware that multiple drivers observed the injured individual between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM. We are requesting that these drivers, and anyone who spoke to the injured individual, as well as anyone with information that can assist the investigation, reach out to Constable Sal Carchidi at (807) 684-1200 ext. 0752 Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com. No other information is available at this time.

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s north end

June 22, 2026
TB26023926 A visible police presence is expected in the Lanark Crescent area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area just around 12:45 AM on June 22, 2026, in response to a call for service. No further information is available at this time.  Updates will be provided as they become available.