COMMUNITY SAFETY ALERT: EXTREME TOXIC DRUGS LIKELY CIRCULATING

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is issuing a community safety alert regarding the high potential that extremely toxic drugs are now circulating many of the communities it serves.

Specifically, NAPS has observed a significant spike in apparent opioid-related overdoses in communities within the Northeast Region this month. Some of these recent incidents have been fatal.

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, and it can often be made more dangerous when drug traffickers mix additional chemicals (aka cutting agents) to their supply.

Please note imagery attached to this community safety alert represent photo illustrations and are not necessarily linked to ongoing investigations connected to this advisory.

Fentanyl is often dyed in a variety of colours, but investigators cannot provide a specific description of the drugs suspected of causing this overdose spike. Because drug traffickers can change the colour of their product quickly, such a description could present a false sense of security for users.

Community members are encouraged to keep a supply of Naloxone on hand, and monitor individuals suffering from a suspected opioid-related overdose. If you, or anyone you know, suffers an overdose please seek medical attention immediately even if the effects appear to have been reversed by Naloxone.

We understand the use of dangerous opioids like Fentanyl is a symptom of serious addiction issues. We strongly encourage anyone who may be suffering form addiction to seek help. Call the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction at 1-866-531-2600 to learn more.

If you have any information about ongoing drug-trafficking activity, please call your local NAPS detachment. You can submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at www.canadiancrimestoppers.org.

DRUGS SEIZED, MALE ARRESTED FOLLOWING DISTURBANCE IN DEER LAKE

(Deer Lake, ON) – Police responding to a disturbance in Deer Lake First Nation arrested and charged a male with numerous drug-trafficking related offences Saturday.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers working out of the Deer Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service just after 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 12, regarding an ongoing disturbance at a residential address in the community.  

Officers arrived at the scene and identified a male believed to be involved. While officers were interacting with the male, he became aggressive and resisted police attempts to detain him. He was arrested without further incident.

Following the arrest, police located and seized a quantity of suspected cocaine, oxycodone pills, and cash.

Later that day, officers in Deer Lake First Nation, with assistance from the NAPS Drug Unit, executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home. The search resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of cannabis, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Darcy Saulaus MEEKIS, 41, of Deer Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing Contrary to Cannabis Act

·         Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

·         Resist Peace Officer

·         Fail to Attend Court x 2

·         Fail to Comply with Undertaking x 2

The accused appeared for bail court on Monday, May 13 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

NAPS LAUNCHES LIDS 4 LIFE CAMPAIGN

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Today (Monday, May 13, 2024), the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service has formally launched its Lids 4 Life campaign.

The campaign will see NAPS collect donations of new ATV helmets throughout the months of May and June. NAPS will then facilitate the distribution of these donated helmets to the 34 communities it serves.

Access to affordable safety equipment is challenging in Ontario’s remote north, and this often means youth travel without the appropriate headgear. NAPS has witnessed first hand tragic incidents involving youth that resulted in serious injury or death. In many cases, lives could have been saved and serious injury could have been avoided had the rider been wearing a helmet.

The Lids 4 Life campaign was launched during a press event at the Excalibur Motorcycle Works Inc., in Thunder Bay on Monday, May 13. Excalibur is one of partner businesses helping to collect donations for Lids 4 Life. Other business partners for this campaign include:

·         J&J Sports (939 Tungsten Street, Thunder Bay)

·         Half-way Motors Power Sports (1230 Carrick Street, Thunder Bay)

·         North Country Cycle and Sports (1164 Roland Street, Thunder Bay)

·         Intercity Power Sports (879 Tungsten Street, Thunder Bay)

To make arrangements for a donation, visit any partner business or email Lids4Life@naps.ca.

The Lids4Life campaign goal is an aggressive 500 donated helmets. We believe the generosity of our neighbouring communities will make this goal easily achievable.

DRUGS, 15 FIREARMS SEIZED FOLLOWING SEARCH in CONSTANCE LAKE

(Constance Lake, ON) – Police seized 15 firearms and drugs following the search of a Constance Lake home Tuesday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Northeast Drug Unit, with support from the Emergency Response Team and Intelligence Unit, executed a search warrant at a residential address on Machitch Road in Constance Lake First Nation on Tuesday May 7. The search warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activity from that address.

Two suspects were located and arrested without incident.

Following a search of the home, police seized a quantity of suspected Fentanyl, Methamphetamine tablets, Crystal Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, Lorazepam, paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking, a crossbow, and 15 firearms.

Meanwhile, NAPS members conducted a traffic stop involving two suspects connected to this drug trafficking investigation. Both suspects were arrested without incident.

The estimated street value of narcotics seized totals $40,000 CAD.

Mitchell GILLIS, 34, of Longlac, Ont., is charged with:

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Lorazepam for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

·         Careless Storage of a Firearm

Chad Abel TAYLOR, 53, of Constance Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Lorazepam for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

·         Careless Storage of a Firearm

Desirea Alice Daisy TAYLOR, 28, of Constance Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Lorazepam for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

·         Careless Storage of a Firearm

Kevin TAYLOR, 55, of Constance Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Lorazepam for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

·         Careless Storage of a Firearm

All four accused have since been released with conditions and a future appearance date of July 17, 2024.

MOTORIST ON WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED OPERATION

(Apitipi Anicinapek Nation) – A motorist travelling on the wrong side of the road was arrested for driving while impaired late Saturday evening.

A Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officer working out of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation detachment conducted a traffic stop at about 11:25 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, after observing a vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the road.

When the officer approached the driver, they observed an open liquor container in the vehicle. The officer also observed the driver was showing multiple signs of impairment by drug.

The male driver was taken into custody without further incident.

The accused was transferred to the custody of the OPP for further evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert. That evaluation showed the motorist was impaired by drug.

A 55-year-old male from Apitipi Anicinapek Nation is charged with:

·         Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

The name of the accused is withheld until the charges have been formally sworn before the courts.

NAPS takes incidents of impaired driving very seriously, as it remains a significant and ongoing threats to community safety.

ELDER STRANDED ON WINTER ICE ROAD SAFE AFTER FIVE-HOUR HIKE

(Peawanuck, ON) – A missing 82-year-old Moosonee Elder is safe after undertaking a five-hour walk along the ice road when his snowmobile became stuck in the melting snow Wednesday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Peawanuck First Nation detachment received a call for service regarding a missing elder from Moosonee just before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1.

Police learned the 82-year-old man, who had been visiting the community of Peawanuck, departed to his hunting shelter, which was situated parallel to the winter ice road. He was scheduled to return by 6 p.m., but failed to report back in.

A community search team was formed and began attempts to locate him. Meanwhile, NAPS officers began a formal missing person investigation. Thankfully, search efforts led to the safe return of the elder.

Police learned the elder’s snow machine became stuck in a river that intersected with the melting winter ice road. Realizing it would be impossible to retrieve the snowmobile, the elder gathered some essentials and began his five-hour trek back to the community.

The search party located him and returned him to Peawanuck just before midnight.

Despite the ordeal, the elder was in good spirits and did not require further medical attention.

NAPS would like to remind the public how important it is to ensure that friends and family are made aware of your travel plans, especially when that travel may take you to isolated and remote locations.

Make sure people know where you are going, and exactly when you expect to return. By sharing this information, people are in the best position to provide help where and when you need it most.

We would like to commend the elder for sharing this vital information with family, and thank the community search and rescue team for their quick mobilization.

NAPS ARRESTS SUSPECT, SEIZES CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FROM CONSTANCE LAKE HOME

(Constance Lake, ON) – Police arrested a male suspect and seized a variety of suspected controlled substances following the search of a Constance Lake First Nation home Tuesday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s North East Drug Enforcement Unit, Emergency Response Team, and Guns and Gangs Unit executed a search warrant at a residential address in Constance Lake First Nation at about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16.

The warrant was obtained as a result into drug trafficking activity at that address.

When police entered the home, they located and arrested a male suspect without incident.

Following the search of the home, police located and seized a quantity of suspected Methamphetamine, Hydromorphone (opioids), Oxycodone (opioids), Lorazepam, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The estimated street value of drugs seized totals nearly $19,000 CAD.

A 37-year-old Constance Lake First Nation man is charged with:

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2

·         Possession of Opioids for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2

·         Possession of Lorazepam for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

He has since been released from custody with conditions and a future court appearance date. Identities of accused are withheld by NAPS until charges have been formally sworn before the courts.

MULTIPLE FIREARMS SEIZED IN FORT SEVERN

(Fort Severn, ON) – Police seized numerous firearms Friday following an assault investigation in Fort Severn First Nation.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Fort Severn detachment received a call for service on the morning of Thursday, April 11, involving a male who had pointed a firearm at a person.  

Police conducted an investigation into the allegations made, which led the members of the Intelligence Unit obtaining a Search Warrant on the morning of April 12.

Members of the Fort Severn Detachment executed the warrant and in total three firearms were seized along with a high capacity magazine and ammunition.

One of these firearms is prohibited. 

Reuben Calvin STONEY, 32, of Fort Severn First Nation, is charged with:

·         Assault with a Weapon

·         Pointing a Firearm

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition

The accused appeared for bail court on Friday, April 12 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date of Tuesday, April 16.

NAPS, LAC SEUL POLICE SERVICE ARREST TWO FOLLOWING DRUG SEIZURE

(Fort Hope, ON) – Police arrested two suspects, and seized cocaine and oxycodone, following the search of a Fort Hope First Nation home Wednesday. 

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, Emergency Response Team, officers working out of the Fort Hope detachment, and the Lac Seul Police Service K9 Unit, executed a search warrant at a residential address in the community of Fort Hope First Nation on Wednesday, April 10.

The search warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking at this home. A vehicle connected to the investigation was also a subject of the search warrant.

As a result of the search, officers seized a quantity of suspected cocaine, oxycodone, suboxone, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Two suspects were located in the home and arrested without incident.

A 33-year-old woman of Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

A 29-year-old man of Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

Both have since been released from custody with future court appearance dates. The names of accused are withheld by NAPS until charges have been formally sworn before the courts.

NAPS INVESTIGATING FIRES IN NORTH SPIRIT LAKE

(North Spirit Lake, ON) – Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding an early Thursday morning fire at the North Spirit Lake band office.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers working out of the North Spirit Lake Detachment received a call for service regarding a structural fire in the community just before 3:40 a.m. on Thursday, April 4.

Police on scene observed a fire from the community’s band office. At this time, police also learned of another structural fire in the community.

Police arrived on scene to an abandoned home completely engulfed in flames on Airport Road

Both buildings are a total loss. No injuries have been reported as a result of these fires.

Members of the NAPS Crime Unit are now involved in the ongoing investigation.

MISSING PERSON – Dean MATTINAS, 27

Police are requesting public assistance in locating missing person Dean MATTINAS, 27.

A missing person report was filed with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service on Friday, March 27. As a result of continued investigation, police learned the last known sighting of Dean was in Constance Lake in the early morning hours of Monday, March 18.

He was believed to be hitchhiking toward Thunder Bay on that date.

Family has become increasingly concerned about Dean’s wellbeing.  

Dean was last seen wearing a camo jacket, blue jeans, brown boots, and had a black Under Armour brand backpack.  

A photograph of Dean is attached to this release.

If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person please call the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Constance Lake detachment at (705) 463-1048, or submit tips through Crime Stoppers online at www.p3tips.com

ASSAULT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST, DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES

(SUMMER BEAVER, ON) – Police arrested a woman on charges of assault and drug trafficking following a Friday evening incident at a Summer Beaver home.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers working from the Summer Beaver detachment responded to a call for service at a residential address in that community just before 6:20 p.m. on Friday, March 22.

When officers arrived, they learned an alleged assault had just occurred. A female suspect, and female victim who appeared to have injuries consistent with a recent assault, were located at the scene.

Police learned a suspect had attacked the victim, stabbing her with an edged weapon, inside the home. Police also learned property had been damaged during the alleged assault. Both victim and accused were known to each other.

The accused was taken into custody without further incident.

While in custody, police learned the accused was in possession of a quantity of suspected cocaine, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Kelma Lenita YELLOWHEAD, 33, of Summer Beaver First Nation, was charged with:

·         Assault with a Weapon

·         Mischief Under $5,000

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Assault Causing Bodily Harm

She has since appeared for a bail hearing and was remanded into custody with a future court appearance date.

POLICE ARREST WOMAN AT AIRPORT FOLLOWING DRUG TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION

(Sandy Lake, ON) – Police arrested a woman at the Sandy Lake air strip following an investigation into drug trafficking Saturday.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers working from the Sandy Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service to attend the community airport on Saturday, March 23.

When police arrived, they located a female suspected of being in possession of illicit narcotics.

Further investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of a quantity of suspected cocaine, oxycodone pills, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Summer Fiddler, 26, of Sandy Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

She has been released from custody with conditions and a future appearance date of May, 2024.

SERIES OF OVERDOSES IN MARTEN FALLS LEADS TO ARREST, CHARGES

(Marten Falls, ON) – A suspect connected to a drug trafficking investigation that began after a series of February overdoses in Marten Falls First Nation has been located and arrested. 

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Marten Falls Detachment responded to calls for service relating to drug overdoses within the community on February 29, 2024.

Narcan was provided to the overdose victims, who were then transported to the nearby nursing station for further evaluation and treatment. All identified victims survived.

Following further investigation, police identified a suspect connected to the drug trafficking activity believed to have led to these overdose cases. A warrant was obtained for the suspect’s arrest.

The accused was located and arrested in the community on Wednesday, March 20.

Shannon Melanie COASTER, 27, of Marten Falls First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

She has been released from custody with conditions and a future court appearance date of July 20, 2024.

WARRANT ISSUED FOR WINNIPEG MAN CHARGED WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING IN SANDY LAKE

(Sandy Lake, ON) – A Winnipeg man facing numerous drug-trafficking charges connected to a February incident in Sandy Lake First Nation is now the subject of a bench warrant after he failed to appear in court.

Members of the Nishnaawbe Aski Police Service, working out of the Sandy Lake detachment, were originally dispatched to a call for service in the community on Feb. 20 following reports of a male unconscious inside of a vehicle.

When police arrived, they learned the suspect was in possession of narcotics, and was suspected of trafficking drugs into the community. He was arrested without incident.

Further investigation led to the seizure of a quantity of suspected cocaine, oxycodone, codeine, Xanax, clonazepam, Suboxone, a large knife, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Marcus Frederick JONES, 44, of Winnipeg, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Codeine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Xanax for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Clonazepam for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Suboxone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

The accused has since been released with conditions and a court appearance date, however, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest on Monday, March 11 when he failed to appear in court.

TORONTO MAN ARRESTED IN NORTH SPIRIT LAKE, CHARGED WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING-RELATED OFFENCES

(North Spirit Lake, ON) – Police have arrested a Toronto man following an investigation into drug trafficking activity within the community of North Spirit Lake First Nation.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, working out of the North Spirit Lake detachment, responded to a call for service at a residential address in the evening hours of Sunday, March 17.

When police entered the home, they located and arrested a male suspect without incident.

As a result of continued investigation police located and seized a quantity of cash and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Jaylen Judah Darrius WILSON, 24, of Toronto, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

·         Possession of Forged Document

The accused has been remanded into custody with a future court appearance date.

NAPS ARRESTS TWO AMID DRUG TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION

(Webequie, ON) – Police arrested two suspects connected to an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the community of Webequie First Nation Monday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a residential address in Webequie First Nation on Monday, March 18.

When police entered the home, they located and arrested two suspects without incident.

A quantity of cocaine, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking was also located inside the home and seized by police.

Meagan Karry SHEWAYBICK, 32, of Webequie First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

Caitlin Erika WABASSE, 33, of Webequie First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

·         Failure to Comply with Release Order

SHEWAYBICK has been released with conditions and a future court date. WABASSE was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

Previous drug-trafficking related charges against WABASSE, laid following an incident in February of this year. More information about that incident can be found here: https://www.naps.ca/news/2024/2/4/three-arrested-cocaine-seized-from-webequie-home

NAPS ARRESTS THREE, SEIZE CASH FOLLOWING SEARCH IN SANDY LAKE

(SANDY LAKE, ON) – Police arrested three suspects Wednesday following an investigation into drug trafficking activity in Sandy Lake First Nation.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, with assistance from the Emergency Response Unit and front-line officers of the Sandy Lake NAPS detachment, executed a search warrant at a residential address in the community just before 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6.

One suspect was located and arrested at the scene without incident before police entered the home. When police did enter the home, they located two additional male suspects from Winnipeg. Both were taken into custody without incident.

A search of the home led to the seizure of about $30,000 CAD, a quantity of suspected cocaine, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Brandon HART, 19, of Winnipeg, is charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000

Eldon SIDALL, 18, of Winnipeg, is charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000

• Failure to Comply with Undertaking

Janine KING, 43, of Sandy Lake First Nation, is charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000

All three appeared for bail court on Thursday, March 7 and were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.

CAT LAKE NURSING STATION FIRE

(CAT LAKE FIRST NATION) – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fire at the nursing station in Cat Lake First Nation.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers from the Cat Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service regarding a structural fire just before 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.

When officers arrived, they observed smoke and visible flames coming from the community’s nursing station. Officers remained at the scene and assisted community members attempting to extinguish the fire.

At 11:46 p.m., it was deemed too dangerous to continue fire suppression efforts. The building appears to be a total loss, however, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

The investigation remains ongoing with assistance from members of the NAPS Crime Unit and Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal.

SUSPECT ARRESTED, METHAMPHETAMINE SEIZED IN CAT LAKE

(CAT LAKE, ON) – Police arrested a suspect Thursday connected to an investigation into drug trafficking into the community of Cat Lake First Nation.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers in Cat Lake First Nation were dispatched to a call for service at the community airport just before 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29.

Officers’ presence was requested due to a traveler suspected of being in possession of drugs. Further investigation revealed a female suspect was in possession of a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.

The suspected drugs were seized and the accused was taken into custody. The accused became aggressive and began resisting officers, however, the arrest was still completed without further incident.

A 27-year-old woman from Cat Lake First Nation, is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Obstruct Peace Officer

She was released with conditions and a future appearance date.

The investigation remains ongoing.