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.

SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF TEACHER IN WEBEQUIE

(Webequie, ON) Police have arrested a teacher amid an ongoing investigation into the sexual assault of a youth in Webequie First Nation.  

Mohammad P SOBHI, 33, a resident of the Greater Toronto Area, is charged with:

·         Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 Years of Age

·         Sexual Exploitation

He appeared in bail court on Thursday, Feb. 29 and was released with conditions and a future appearance date.

The accused is no longer residing in the community of Webequie First Nation.

The investigation remains ongoing.

THREE ARRESTED, COCAINE SEIZED FROM WEBEQUIE HOME

(WEBEQUIE, ON) – Police arrested three suspects, and seized a quantity of cocaine and cash following the search of a Webequie First Nation home Saturday.

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 in the morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 3.

The warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activity from that home.

As a result of the search, police seized a quantity of cocaine and cash suspected to be linked to drug trafficking activity. Currency seized is believed to exceed $5,000 CAD.

Three suspects were arrested without incident.

Two women from Webequie First Nation, ages 30- and 33-years old, are charged with:

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

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

A 27-year-old Webequie First Nation man is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

All three suspects were released with conditions and future court appearance dates.

UPDATE 1: FATAL HOUSE FIRE IN PEAWANUCK UNDER INVESTIGATION

(PEAWANUCK, ON) – Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fatal house fire that occurred in Peawanuck First Nation Thursday evening.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s North East Crime Unit are investigating with assistance from the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall, Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and OPP.

NAPS officers in Peawanuck originally received a call for service in the late evening hours of Thursday, February 1, 2024 regarding a major house fire in the community.

Two adults are confirmed deceased as a result of the fire, and three other people remain in the hospital for further treatment of the injuries they sustained. The exact nature of their injuries is not known at this time.

The investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.

No further details are available at this time.

FIREARM, DRUGS SEIZED FROM FORT ALBANY HOME

(FORT ALBANY, ON) – Police seized a shotgun and drugs following the search of a Fort Albany home in January.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Guns and Gangs Unit with support from the NAPS Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Unit, and frontline Fort Albany officers, executed a search warrant at a home in the community of Fort Albany First Nation on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.

The warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into the suspected illegal possession of a firearm. One suspect was taken into custody without incident.

During the search, police located and seized a shotgun, and brass knuckles. Through further investigation police learned of suspected drug possession, which led investigators to obtain and execute a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant.

The result of that search led to the seizure of a quantity of suspected Oxycodone pills, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

A 36-year-old Fort Albany First Nation woman is charged with:

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition

·         Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition

The accused has been released from custody with a future court appearance date scheduled for April 17, 2024.

HOUSE FIRE IN PEAWANUCK UNDER INVESTIGATION

(PEAWANUCK, ON) – The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is investigating the circumstances surrounding a house fire in the community of Peawanuck First Nation.

NAPS officers in Peawanuck received a call for service in the late evening hours of Thursday, February 1, 2024 regarding a major house fire in the community. A scene has been established and members of the NAPS Northeast Crime Unit are leading the investigation.

Members of the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal are also involved in the ongoing investigation.

Information regarding possible injuries cannot be confirmed, and additional details are not available at this time.

Media will be updated as information is confirmed and becomes available.

THREE ARRESTED, DRUGS SEIZED FOLLOWING SEARCH

(CHAPLEAUE, ON) – A police investigation into suspected drug trafficking has led to the arrest of three, and the seizure of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s North East Drug Unit, with support from the NAPS Emergency Response Team, members of the OPP and Timmins Police Service executed a search warrant at a residential address in the zero-to-100 block of Blue Jay Crescent in Chapleau, Ont., on Thursday, Feb., 1.

The warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activity at that address, and drug trafficking into neighbouring Brunswick House First Nation.

A search of the home resulted in the seizure of a quantity of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Three suspects were arrested without incident.

A 36-year-old man, and two women ages 41- and 35-years old, are now 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

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

All three suspects have been released from police custody with conditions and a future court appearance date of Tuesday, April 16.