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.

October 27, 2025
Over the past few months, there has been a meaningful shift in how the community sees the work we do. While our commitment to public safety has never changed, it's encouraging to see people recognizing and supporting it. From the comments shared at Chat with the Chief events in the community, to the encouraging response to our planned Thunder Bay Police Service Gala, it’s clear that people want to be part of something positive. They recognize the dedication of our officers and the important role policing plays in keeping our community safe. At recent “Chat with the Chief” events, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from many of you. Residents have expressed a desire to see more officers in the community. We share that goal. While we continue to work toward increasing our presence, our current focus remains on addressing Drugs, Guns, and Gangs—a critical priority, given how deeply interconnected these issues are and the harm they cause in communities. While our role is to enforce the law, lasting community safety involves more than police presence alone. We know that community organizations and service providers play a vital role in helping people live healthy, productive lives and reducing the need for police intervention. By addressing the root causes of crime and crisis—through prevention, support, and connection—these partners provide critical services and alternative response models that contribute to a safer, healthier city. That’s why I’m proud to be participating in Thunder Bay’s first Community Safety & Well-Being (CSWB) Forum—a free event where residents, service providers, and community leaders will come together to talk about what it truly means to build a safer, stronger Thunder Bay. The Forum is a chance to share ideas, hear diverse perspectives, and help shape the refreshed CSWB Plan for 2026–2030—a community roadmap grounded in prevention, connection, and support, so everyone can live well, feel safe, and thrive. It will be held Thursday, November 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.  Everyone is welcome. I look forward to continuing this important conversation with all of you.
October 23, 2025
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