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.

UPDATE: FORT HOPE SCHOOL FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION

(FORT HOPE, ON) – Police have arrested and charged four youths in connection with a recent school fire in Eabametoong First Nation

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service received a call for service about a structural fire in the community just after 7:10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25. When officers arrived on scene they found the school to be engulfed in flames. Community firefighters continued efforts to extinguish the fire.

Police determined the nature of the fire was consistent with arson. As a result of continued investigation, four suspects were identified, located and taken into custody.

A 13-year-old female, 13-year-old male, 14-year-old male, and a 17-year-old male are all charged with:

• Arson – Disregard for Human Life

• Arson – Damage to Property

• Mischief Over $5,000

• Possession of Incendiary Material

The 17-year-old accused is also charged with Possession of Break In Instruments, and Assault Peace Officer.

The youths have been remanded into custody with future court appearances scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 30. The identifies of all accused are being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The investigation of the fire remains ongoing.

FORT HOPE SCHOOL FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION

(FORT HOPE, ON) – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a Thursday morning fire at a school in Eabametoong First Nation.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service received a call for service about a structural fire in the community just after 7:10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25.

When police arrived on scene they found the school to be engulfed in flames. Community Firefighters continued efforts to extinguish the fire.

As a result of continued investigation, police have determined the fire is consistent with arson.

Two suspects, aged 17-years old and 14-years old, were located and taken into custody. Their identities are being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

A scene has been established and the investigation remains ongoing.

POLICE ARREST TWO, SEIZE DRUGS AT ATTAWAPISKAT AIRPORT

(Attawapiskat First Nation, ON) – Police arrested two women Tuesday following an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service became aware that suspects were attempting to bring illicit drugs into the community of Attawapiskat. Through continued investigation by members of the NAPS Northeast Drug Enforcement Unit, officers learned of the suspects pending arrival at the community airport.

Two suspects were identified and located at the Attawapiskat airport on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at about 3 p.m. They were taken into custody without further incident.

Police seized a quantity of suspected Oxycodone pills, suspected methamphetamine tablets, cash, and three pounds of cannabis.

Claudia KOOSTACHIN, 30, of Attawapiskat, is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

Jocelyn WESLEY, 41, of Attawapiskat, is charged with:

• Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

• Possession of Over 30g Dried Cannabis (or Equivalent) in a Public Place

Both appeared before bail court on Wednesday, Jan. 10.  

KOOSTACHIN was remanded into custody with a future appearance date. WESLEY was released with conditions and a future court appearance date.

Southern Ontarians among those arrested amid Moose Factory drug seizures

(MOOSE FACTORY FIRST NATION) – Police arrested nine suspects, including multiple individuals from Southern Ontario, following a series of searches connected to ongoing drug trafficking investigations in Moose Factory Wednesday.

Warrants were executed at three residential addresses in Moose Factory in the morning hours of Dec. 13, 2023, by members of the Nishnawbe Police Service’s North East Drug Enforcement Unit, with assistance from the NAPS Emergency Response Team, NAPS Intelligence Unit, NAPS Moose Factory Detachment officers, and the OPP’s Community Street Crime Unit.

The warrants were obtained as a result of ongoing investigations into drug trafficking activity in the community of Moose Factory.

During the search of a home on Keshaylowuk Road, police seized a quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, a non-firearm prohibited weapon, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. Three suspects were located at the scene and taken into custody.

During the search of a home on Libbeaus Beck Road, police seized a quantity of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, hydromorphone, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. Three accused were located at the scene and taken into custody.

During the search of a second home on Libbeaus Beck Road, police seized a quantity of suspected cocaine and cash. Three suspects were located at the scene and taken into custody.

The total estimated street value of drugs seized exceeds $30,000, and cash seized exceeds $5,000 CAD.

Stephanie SACKANEY, 43, of Moose Factory, is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

Jasmine CHEECHOO, 23, of Moose Factory, is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

Benjamin OMOREGIE, 22, of Toronto, is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

• Obstruct Peace Officer

• Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

Diane CHEECHOO, 32, of Moose Factory, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

Parris DONALD, 25, a resident of southern Ontario, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

Isaiah Elijah HONNIGAN, 26, of Brampton, Ont., is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

Cheyenne SPENCER, 30, of Moose Factory, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

Muriel SPENCE, 29, of Kashechewan First Nation, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

Zebulon MAYBEE, 34, of Moose Factory, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

• Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon

OMOREGIE, DONALD, and HONNIGAN appeared in bail court on Thursday, Dec. 14. DONALD and HONNIGAN were released on conditions and a future appearance date. OMOREGIE was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

All other accused were released with conditions and future appearance dates on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

UPDATE: THIRD SUSPECTS ARRESTED AMID HOME INVASION INVESTIGATION

Police have arrested a third suspect in connection with a weekend home invasion in Moose Factory.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service were originally alerted to a disturbance in the community at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26. Police learned three males entered the home, possibly armed with a firearm, threatened the occupants and fled.

As a result of continued investigation, a male suspect was identified, located and taken into custody without incident on Sunday, Nov. 26.

Corey Lee Sutherland, 38, of Moose Factory, appeared in bail court on Sunday, Nov. 26 on charges of:

• Break and Enter into a Dwelling House with Intent to Commit and Indictable Offence

• Disguise with Intent

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Conspiracy to Commit Indicatable Offence

He was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

Two other suspects were later located and arrested in Moose Factory on Monday, Nov. 27.

The investigation, and subsequent arrests of the three accused, were supported by members of the NAPS Crime Unit, Intelligence Unit, Emergency Response Team, and officers with the NAPS Northeast Region Moose Factory Detachment.

John Sutherland, 35, of Moose Factory is charged with:

• Break and Enter into a Dwelling House with Intent to Commit and Indictable Offence

• Disguise with Intent

• Conspiracy to Commit Indicatable Offence

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Assault with a Weapon

• Failure to Comply with Release Order x 2

Jeremy Linklater, 30, of Moose Factory, is charged with:

• Break and Enter into a Dwelling House with Intent to Commit and Indictable Offence

• Disguise with Intent

• Pointing a Firearm x 2

• Conspiracy to Commit Indicatable Offence

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Uttering Threats x 2

• Assault

Both suspects appeared for bail court on Tuesday, Nov. 28 and were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.

Moose Factory First Nation First Nation is located about 315 km north of Timmins, Ont.

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED AMID HOME INVASION INVESTIGATION

(Moose Factory, ON) Police have arrested two suspects connected to an ongoing investigation into a weekend home invasion.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service were alerted to a disturbance that had occurred at a home in the Niskaway Street area of Moose Factory at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26. Police learned three males entered the home, possibly armed with a firearm, and threatened the occupants before fleeing.

As a result of continued investigation, a male suspect was identified, located and taken into custody without incident on Sunday, Nov. 26.

Corey Lee Sutherland, 38, of Moose Factory, appeared in bail court on Sunday, Nov. 26 on charges of:

• Break and Enter into a Dwelling House with Intent to Commit and Indictable Offence

• Disguise with Intent

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Conspiracy to Commit Indicatable Offence

He has since been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

In the late morning hours of Monday, Nov. 27, a second male suspect was located and taken into custody.

He is expected to appear in bail court on Tuesday, Nov. 28 for the following charges:

• Break and Enter into a Dwelling House with Intent to Commit and Indictable Offence

• Disguise with Intent

• Conspiracy to Commit Indicatable Offence

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Assault with a Weapon

• Failure to Comply with Release Order x 2

The name of the second accused will be released following his court appearance.

The investigation remains ongoing, and efforts to locate a third male suspect from Moose Factory continues.

If you have any information you believe could assist investigators please call the NAPS Northeast Region headquarters at (705) 272-5600.

Moose Factory First Nation First Nation is located about 315 km north of Timmins, Ont.

NAPS EXECUTES DRUG SEARCH WARRANT IN CHAPLEAU, ON

Date of Release: June 13, 2023

(Chapleau, ON) On June 7, 2023, members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police (NAPS) Drug Enforcement Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant in the Township of Chapleau, ON.

During the search, officers seized a large quantity of drugs suspected to be Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Heroin, Buprenorphine and also Canadian currency.

As a result of the investigation, Marilyn MICHAUD, 42, of Chapleau, Ontario and Graham BARTY, 43, of Fox Lake First Nation, were arrested and charged with the following:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth); contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine (Meth Tablets); contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Heroin contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – 3,4 Methylenedioxyamphetamine contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Buprenorphine contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 contrary to Sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

Both MICHAUD and BARTY were subsequently remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice next week in June, 2023, in Timmins, ON.

Chapleau, ON, is located approximately 200 km west of Timmins, Ontario.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations-Phone 807-346-6593

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

NAPS EXECUTES DRUG SEARCH WARRANT IN MOOSE FACTORY FIRST NATION

Date of Release: May 31, 2023

(Moose Factory, ON) On May 25, 2023, members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police (NAPS) Drug Enforcement Unit, the NAPS Emergency Response Team, the Moose Factory Uniform Detachment Members and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant in the First Nation community of Moose Factory.

During the search, officers seized a quantity of drugs suspected to be Fentanyl and Oxycodone, and Canadian Currency.

As a result of the investigation, 3 individuals were arrested and charged with the following:

Jahmar Carleton HAMILTON, 26, of Brampton, Ontario:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Trafficking of a Schedule 1 Substance – contrary to Sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000 contrary to Sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

Wellington ECHUM, 37, of Moose Factory, Ontario:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000 contrary to Sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

Harmony CHEECHOO, 42, of Moose Factory, Ontario:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000 contrary to Sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

All accused were subsequently released on conditions and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 1, 2023, in Moosonee, ON.

Moose Factory First Nation is located approximately 315 km north of Timmins, Ontario.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations-Phone 807-346-6593

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

NAPS REQUESTS OUTSIDE AGENCY FOR INVESTIGATION ON OFFICER

Date of Release: September 23, 2022

(Thunder Bay, ON) The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) is aware of an incident between a NAPS officer and a member of the Slate Falls First Nation. Nishnawbe Aski Police takes these matters very seriously and for investigative transparency, we have requested the assistance of an outside agency.

Please contact Ontario Provincial Police Detective Staff Sergeant John Power at john.power@opp.ca.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations- Phone 807-346-6593 or jackie.george@naps.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

NAPS EXECUTES TWO DRUG SEARCH WARRANTS IN SANDY LAKE FIRST NATION

Date of Release: September 11, 2022

(Sandy Lake, ON) On September 6th, 2022, members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Intelligence Unit, NAPS Emergency Response Team, Ontario Provincial Police Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), and the Sandy Lake Uniform Detachment Members executed two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants in the First Nation community of Sandy Lake.

During the search of two separate residences officers seized drugs suspected to be Cocaine, Oxycodone, and Hydromorphone. Police also seized three firearms and Canadian Currency.

As a result of the investigation the following people have been charged:

1) Miriam MAMAKEESIC, 45 years of age, of Sandy Lake First Nation, Trafficking a Controlled Substance Sec. 5(1) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Sec. 354(1)(a) Criminal Code.

2) Billy Jack “BJ” KAKEGAMICK, 45 years of age, of Sandy Lake First Nation, Trafficking a Controlled Substance Sec. 5(1) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. Sec. 354(1)(a) Criminal Code.

3) Sylvian FIDDLER, 25 years of age, of Sandy Lake First Nation, three counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Sec. 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

4) Carey FIDDLER, 46 years of age, of Sandy Lake First Nation, three counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Sec. 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Sec. 354(1)(a) Criminal Code, and three counts of Careless Storage of a Firearm Sec. 86(1) Criminal Code.

Carey FIDDLER was held for bail in Kenora Court on September 7, 2022.

Miriam MAMAKEESIC, Billy Jack KAKEGAMICK, and Sylvian FIDDLER were each released on an Undertaking with conditions and will appear in court on November 7, 2022 in

Sandy Lake First Nation. Sandy Lake First Nation is located approximately 590 kms north west of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations- Phone 807-346-6593 or jackie.george@naps.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

METHAMPHETAMINE AND FIREARM SEIZED IN MARTEN FALLS FIRST NATION

Date of Release: March 9, 2022

(Marten Falls, ON) On Tuesday, March 8th, 2022, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Drug Enforcement Unit, along with members of the NAPS Marten Falls Detachment, conducted a drug investigation in Marten Falls First Nation which led to two people being arrested and charged.

The drug investigation resulted in officers seizing an unspecified amount of Methamphetamine along with a firearm.

Isaiah MAZINAKOUSKANG, 41 years old, of Marten Falls First Nation was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine), section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, section 91(1) of the Criminal Code; Careless Storage of Firearm, section 86(1) of the Criminal Code; and, Possession of Firearm contrary to Prohibition Order, section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code.

Adrienne OKEESE, 41 years old, of Marten Falls First Nation was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine), section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Both MAZINAKOUSKANG and OKEESE have been released on conditions and will next appear for court on June 15th, 2022, in Marten Falls.

Marten Falls First Nation is located approximately 432 kms north of Thunder Bay.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations- Phone 807-346-6593 or jackie.george@naps.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

NAPS EXECUTES DRUG SEARCH WARRANT IN MOOSE FACTORY FIRST NATION

Date of Release: March 7, 2022

(Moose Factory, ON) On February 27, 2022, members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Intelligence Unit, the NAPS Emergency Response Team, the NAPS Moose Factory Detachment members executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant at a residence in the First Nation community of Moose Factory.

As a result of the search, police seized a large quantity of drugs suspected to be Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine.

Ricardo BELL, 37 years of age, of Ottawa, Ontario, was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, section 5(2) of the CDSA; Possession of a Schedule Substance, section 4(1) of the CDSA; and, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

Mahdi SAFA, 36 years of age, of Ottawa, Ontario, was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, section 5(2) of the CDSA and also Possession of a Prohibited Device, section 92(2) of the Criminal Code.

Natalie AUDETTE, 29 years of age, of Sudbury, Ontario, was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, section 5(2) of the CDSA.

James FAIRIES, 52 years of age, of Moose Factory, Ontario, was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, section 5(2) of the CDSA and also with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

Ricardo BELL, Mahdi SAFA, and Natalie AUDETTE were released on conditions and will appear in court in Moosonee, Ontario on May 3, 2022.

James FAIRIES was remanded into custody following a court appearance.

Moose Cree First Nation (Moose Factory) is located approximately 315 kilometres north of Timmins, Ontario.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations- Phone 807-346-6593 or jackie.george@naps.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

FOUR CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE OFFENCES IN ATTAWAPISKAT FIRST NATION

Date of Release: February 15, 2022

(Attawapiskat, ON) On February 12th, 2022, members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Drug Enforcement Unit, the NAPS Emergency Response Team (ERT) and NAPS Attawapiskat Detachment, executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant in the First Nation community of Attawapiskat. As a result of the investigation, four (4) adults were arrested and charged with sixteen (16) CDSA and Criminal Code (CC) charges with a substantial amount of drugs and currency seized.

The following people were charged:

Sky Josephine Hookimaw 24 years of age

1) Possession of Schedule I Substance Sec. 4(1) CDSA

Georgette Koostachin 50 years of age

1) Possession of Schedule Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Sec. 5(2) CDSA x 3 counts

2) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 Sec. 354(1)(a) CC

Natasha Nadine Koostachin 33 years of age

1) Possession of Schedule Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Sec. 5(2) CDSA x 3 counts

2) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 Sec. 354(1)(a) CC

Gavin Koostachin 28 years of age

1) Possession of Schedule Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Sec. 5(2) CDSA x 3 counts

2) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 Sec. 354(1)(a) CC

3) Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose Sec. 88 CC

4) Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm Sec. 91(1) CC

5) Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Sec. 92(2) CC

Police seized the following:

1. 2,674 Methamphetamine Tabs (Speed)

2. 303 Oxycodone Tabs (Percocet)

3. 1 Gram of Fentanyl

4. 5.5 Grams of Cocaine

5. $2,610.00 (two thousand six-hundred ten dollars) Canadian Currency

6. 30-30 Lever Action Rifle

7. 2 Imitation C02 Hand Guns

8. Collapsible Baton (Prohibited Weapon)

9. Brass Knuckles (Prohibited Weapon)

J. HOOKIMAW, G. KOOSTACHIN, N. KOOSTACHIN and G. KOOSTACHIN were each released on conditions and scheduled to appear on April 28th, 2022 for court in Attawapiskat, Ontario.

Attawapiskat is located approximately 500kms north of Timmins, ON.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations- Phone 807-346-6593 or Jackie.george@naps.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

NAPS EXECUTES DRUG WARRANT IN SANDY LAKE FIRST NATION

Date of Release: February 11, 2022

(Sandy Lake, ON) On January 26, 2022, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Drug Enforcement Unit, as a result of an investigation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, had executed two search warrants at a residence located in Sandy Lake First Nation. Two adults were charged and various amounts of drugs and currency were seized.

Police seized Cocaine, Suboxone, two firearms, and approximately eleven thousand two-hundred seventy ($11,270.00) dollars in Canadian currency.

42 year-old Ronald MCPHERSON was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.00 of the Criminal Code; and, 2 counts of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm Section 91(1) of the Criminal Code.

37 year-old Krista FIDDLER was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.00 of the Criminal Code

Both Ronald MCPHERSON and Krista FIDDLER have been released on conditions and will next attend court in Sandy Lake on April 4, 2022.

Sandy Lake First Nation is approximately 600 km northwest of Thunder Bay.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations- Phone 807-346-6593 or Jackie.george@naps.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

FATAL RESIDENTIAL FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION IN SANDY LAKE FIRST NATION

Date of Release: January 14, 2022

(Sandy Lake, ON) A fatal residential fire that occurred in the early morning hours of January 14, 2022 is currently under investigation by the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service North West Region Crime Unit.

The Ontario Fire Marshal and the Ontario Provincial Police Identification Unit are both assisting with the investigation.

More information will be released once it is known.

Sandy Lake First Nation is located approximately 600 km northwest of Thunder Bay.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations- Phone 807-346-6593 or jackie.george@naps.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

NAPS EXECUTES TWO DRUG SEARCH WARRANTS IN CAT LAKE FIRST NATION

Date of Release: Wednesday, December 8, 2021

(Cat Lake, ON) On November 24, 2021, members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police (NAPS) Intelligence Unit, the NAPS Emergency Response Team and the Cat Lake Uniform Detachment Members executed two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants in the First Nation community of Cat Lake.

During the search of two residences, officers seized a large quantity of drugs suspected to be Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Oxycodone.

As a result of the investigation, Curtis SAKAKEESIC, 28 years of age, Sierra WESLEY, 26 years of age, Christopher SAKAKEESIC, 27 years of age and John SAKAKEESIC, 57 years of age, all from Cat Lake First Nation, were arrested and each were charged with the following:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine, contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance – Oxycodone, contrary to Sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000, contrary to Sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

All four accused were subsequently released on conditions and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 15, 2022 in Cat Lake, ON.

Cat Lake First Nation is located approximately 415 km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations - Phone 807-346-6593

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario

EABAMETOONG FIRST NATION MAN CHARGED AFTER COCAINE SUBSTANCE SEIZED BY NAPS

(Fort Hope, ON) On October 20, 2021, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Eabametoong Detachment (Fort Hope Detachment) members along with the NAPS Intelligence Unit Detectives, conducted an investigation of drug trafficking into the First Nation community of Eabametoong.

As a result of the investigation, police seized approximately sixty (60) grams of suspected cocaine.

Mathew SLIPPERJACK of Eabametoong First Nation was arrested and charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and two counts of Fail to Comply with a Release Order contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.

SLIPPERJACK remains in custody and will appear in bail court scheduled for October 21, 2021.

Eabametoong First Nation is located approximately 385 km northeast of Thunder Bay.

For further information, please contact:

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Sgt. Jackie George

Media Relations- Phone 807-346-6593 or Jackie.george@naps.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Police Headquarters

Thunder Bay, Ontario