NINE ARRESTED FOLLOWING SERIES OF DRUG SEIZURES

(Attawapiskat, ON) – An investigation into drug trafficking in Attawapiskat First Nation has led to nine arrests and the seizure of about $200,000 worth of drugs.

Frontline members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Attawapiskat First Nation detachment, with assistance from the NAPS Intelligence Unit, conducted a series of investigations connected to the trafficking of drugs into the community.

As a result of continued investigation, a number of suspects were identified as being involved in trafficking narcotics through the airport.

NAPS Attawapiskat detachment frontline officers identified and located nine suspects between Tuesday, July 30, and Friday, Aug 2. All suspects were located and arrested at the airport without incident.

Methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, methadone, Percocet pills, codeine pills, Ritalin pills, and a small quantity of Fentanyl were seized. 

The estimated street value of narcotics seized totals about $200,000 CAD.

A 40-year-old female from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

A 56-year-old female from North Bay, Ont., is charged with:

• Possession of Fentanyl

• Possession of Methylphenidate

• Possession of Methadone for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Ketamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

A 65-year-old male from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Percocet for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

A 29-year-old female from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Percocet for the Purpose of Trafficking

A 54-year-old female from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Percocet for the Purpose of Trafficking

A 35-year-old female from Moose Factory First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

A 26-year-old male from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Codeine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

A 41-year-old female from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Percocet for the Purpose of Trafficking

A 27-year-old female from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

All accused have been released from custody with conditions and a future court appearance dates.

The names of accused persons are not released until charges have been formally sworn before the courts.

YOUTHS ARRESTED FOLLOWING ASSAULT, ROBBERY IN FORT HOPE

(FORT HOPE, ON) – Police arrested two teens following an investigation into a recent robbery that took place in the community of Fort Hope First Nation.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working from the Fort Hope First Nation detachment received a call for service in the evening hours of Saturday, July 6, following reports of an assault that had recently occurred.

As a result of continued investigation, police learned the victim was approached by a group of individuals earlier that same evening. During this confrontation, a male suspect produced a knife and demanded the victim’s personal belongings.

The victim was assaulted, and personal items were stolen.

The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Through continued investigation, police identified two suspects – both youth males.

On Monday, July 8, officers located and arrested one of the two suspects during an unrelated call for service.

A second suspect was located and arrested on Tuesday, July 9.

Members of the NAPS Emergency Response Team and officers working from the Fort Hope First Nation detachment were involved in both arrests.  

A 14-year-old male from Fort Hope First Nation has been charged with:

• Assault with a Weapon

• Robbery with a Weapon

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

A 17-year-old male from Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

• Assault with a Weapon

• Robbery with a Weapon

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

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

The names of the accused are withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

FOUR TEENS ARRESTED AMID ASSAULT INVESTIGATION

(FORT HOPE, ON) – Police arrested four teens following a reported assault in Fort Hope First Nation Monday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Fort Hope First Nation detachment learned that in the early morning hours of Monday, July 8, an assault occurred in the area of Albany River Crescent.

An investigation found two victims – an adult and youth – had been approached by a group of youth suspects. A physical confrontation ensued, at which point the suspects produced knives and attempted to stab the two victims.

No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

Three suspects were identified, located, and arrested that same morning. A fourth suspect was located and arrested by NAPS members working out of the Fort Hope First Nation detachment and NAPS Emergency Response Team on Tuesday, July 9.

A 14-year-old male from Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

·         Assault x 2

·         Assault with a Weapon x 2

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

A 13-year-old male from Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

·         Assault x 2

·         Assault with a Weapon x 2

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Carrying Concealed Weapon

A 17-year-old male from Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

·         Assault x 2

·         Assault with a Weapon x 2

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

A 15-year-old male from Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

·         Assault x 2

·         Assault with a Weapon x 2

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Carrying Concealed Weapon

The names of the accused are withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

NAPS SEIZES COCAINE, CASH FOLLOWING SANDY LAKE SEARCH

(Sandy Lake, ON) – Police arrested and charged three suspects, and seized cash and cocaine from a Sandy Lake First Nation home Friday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, Emergency Response Team, and front-line officers working from the Sandy Lake detachment, executed a search warrant at a residential address in Sandy Lake First Nation on Friday, June 21.

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

When police entered the home, they located and seized cash believed to be less than $15,000 CAD, a quantity of suspected cocaine, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. The cash seized is believed to have been obtained through drug trafficking activity.

Three suspects were identified, located and taken into custody following the execution of the warrant.

A 24-year-old Sandy Lake First Nation woman is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

A 20-year-old Sandy Lake First Nation woman is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

A 22-year-old Sandy Lake First Nation woman is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

All three accused have been released with conditions and a future court appearance date.

The names of the accused are withheld pending the above-mentioned charges being formally sworn in before the courts.

NAPS EXECUTES SEARCH WARRANTS IN SANDY LAKE, SEIZE DRUGS ARREST TWO

(Sandy Lake, ON) – Police arrested two suspects and seized a quantity of cocaine and Hydromorphone pills following a search of two Sandy Lake First Nation homes Wednesday morning.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, Emergency Response Team, and front-line members working from the Sandy Lake detachment executed two search warrants at residential addresses in the community during the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 19.

As a result, police located and seized a quantity of cocaine, Hydromorphone pills, cash, an imitation firearm, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The estimated street value of drugs seized totals about $20,000 CAD.

Two female accused were taken into custody without incident.

A 33-year-old Sandy Lake First Nation woman is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Hydromorphone (opioid) for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

A 46-year-old Sandy Lake First Nation woman is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

Both have been released with conditions and a future appearance court appearance date. The names of accused are withheld until the charges against them have been formally sworn in before the courts.

Operation Northern Exposure 2024

In recognition of National Indigenous History Month, for the second year in a row, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to support Operation Northern Exposure, a unique outreach opportunity involving the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), Peel Regional Police (PRP) and York Regional Police (YRP).

Operation Northern Exposure was a five-month outreach opportunity for officers from the three southern Ontario services to join NAPS officers in the northern communities of Kashechewan, Fort Albany and Attawapiskat and learn about Indigenous culture, strengthening police-Indigenous relationships, and supporting truth and reconciliation efforts.

Six groups of six officers were deployed for two-week periods from January to May and attended calls for service, engaged with community members and were immersed in northern and Indigenous culture and practices. The exceptional partnership between police services allowed HRPS, PRP and YRP officers to build positive relationships with their NAPS counterparts as they created strong bonds with band and community leaders and learned more about community policing in Indigenous cultures.

Listening to survivors, families and elders taught officers how important it is to consider the history of each community and its residents when interacting with them. 

Each police service created short video vignettes highlighting the officers’ experiences and how the time spent in these communities improved their knowledge of Indigenous culture, their understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impact and how those insights will inform their work in their home jurisdictions.

The videos will be shared on the police services’ social channels over the next three weeks and will be complied into one video to premiere at the 2nd Annual Safety of our Cities Conference in Peel Region September 16 to 18, 2024.

The final video vignette, produced by NAPS, will be released on June 21, to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.

“The Operation Northern Exposure program has given officers in municipal law enforcement a much better understanding of the challenges and opportunities unique to Indigenous policing,” said NAPS Acting Chief of Police Brad Duce. “The cultural training and getting to know the leaders and band members in our communities, combined with the experience of policing in Ontario’s remote far north, has given these officers new perspective that will help them grow both professionally and personally.”

Acting Chief Duce added: “I’m also very proud of our NAPS officers, whose unique insights and experiences helped make the Operation Northern Exposure program such a success for everyone involved.”

Operation Northern Exposure began with a joint proposal developed by the Halton Regional Police Service and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service for a ride-along program. Over time, the program expanded to undertake operational policing duties and extend the length of the deployments.

The OACP offers its appreciation to all involved in this remarkable program as we all, collectively, continue our efforts to achieve truth and reconciliation through interaction with, and knowledge of, our Indigenous counterparts and communities.

For more information, please contact Dr. José Luís (Joe) Couto, OACP Director of Government Relations & Communications at 416 919-9798, jcouto@oacp.ca or the individual police services.

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. Visit here to find resources that may be able to provide further support: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html

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.