MALE ACCUSED ARRESTED AFTER WEEKEND STABBING IN FORT SEVERN

(Fort Severn, ON) – Police in Fort Severn First Nation arrested a male suspect Sunday in connection with an ongoing stabbing investigation in that community.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Fort Severn Frist Nation detachment received a call for service in the evening hours of Saturday, Sept. 7, regarding a possible stabbing incident.

Police located an injured male victim at the community nursing station and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the apparent assault. Police learned the victim’s injuries were consistent with multiple stab wounds.

The victim has since been transported to Thunder Bay for further evaluation and treatment of their injuries. The exact extent of the injuries is unknown, but are believed to be serious.

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

As a result of continued investigation, police identified a male suspect. He was located and arrested without incident in the afternoon hours of Sunday, Sept. 9.

Charles Benny THOMAS, 31, of Fort Severn First Nation, is charged with:

·         Aggravated Assault

He appeared for a bail hearing on Monday, Sept. 9 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date. The investigation remains ongoing.

POLICE LOCATE BELONGINGS OF ELDERLY THEFT VICTIM, ARREST SUSPECT

(Aroland, ON) – A woman observed driving a pick-up truck without plates or insurance in Nakina, Ont., Saturday was arrested after police connected her to a theft investigation involving an elderly man in a wheelchair.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Aroland First Nation detachment received a call for service in the late morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 7 regarding a theft that had recently occurred.

Police learned an elderly man received a visitor at his home Saturday morning. During this visit, a 38-year-old female accused entered the victim’s bedroom, retrieved a bag of his belongings, and fled.

The victim is in his 70s and makes use of a wheelchair, which made him uniquely vulnerable to this theft. Victim and accused were known to each other.

About 30 minutes later, NAPS officers located the accused in Nakina, Ont., driving a pick-up truck without licence plates. Police conducted a traffic stop before completing the arrest without incident.

Police learned the accused had allegedly attempted, but failed, to use the victim’s bank debit card. The items were located and seized from the pick-up truck.  

A 38-year-old female of Aroland First Nation is charged with: Theft Under $5,000; Operating a Motor Vehicle without Insurance; Driving a Motor Vehicle without Plates; Driving a Motor Vehicle without a Permit. 

She was released from custody in the afternoon hours of Saturday, Sept. 7, with conditions and a future court appearance date.  The names of accused are withheld until charges have been formally sworn before the courts.

MALE CHARGED AFTER INCIDENT WITH REPLICA HANDGUN

(Attawapiskat, ON) – Police arrested a male after he pointed a replica firearm at another male at a community pool hall Friday evening.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Attawapiskat First Nation detachment received a call for service in the evening hours of Friday, Aug. 30 regarding a male with handgun at a pool hall on Main Street West.

When officers arrived, they observed a male suspect being held down by civilians. Officers took control of the situation and completed the arrest without further incident.

Police learned a male suspect had entered the pool hall armed with an apparent handgun, and then pointed it at an individual. A number of civilians intervened and successfully disarmed the accused.

The firearm was seized by police, at which point it was confirmed to be a replica Glock-style handgun.

No injuries were reported as a result of this altercation.

Keegan WHEESK, 18, of Attawapiskat First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Careless Use of a Firearm

·         Pointing a Firearm

He appeared for bail court on Saturday, Aug. 31, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

YOUTH ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

(ATTAWAPISKAT, ON) – Police arrested a male youth for assault with a weapon following an incident inside an Attawapiskat First Nation home Friday afternoon.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Attawapiskat First Nation detachment received a call for service regarding a disturbance at a residence in the afternoon hours of Friday, Aug. 30.

When police arrived, they learned an altercation had occurred inside the home between a male youth and an adult male. During this altercation, the youth brandished a knife toward the victim before fleeing the scene.

The accused and victim were known to each other.

Police located the accused in the area that same afternoon. He was taken into custody without incident.

A 17-year-old male from Attawapiskat is charged with:

·         Assault with a Weapon

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Failure to Comply with Release Order x 2

The accused appeared for bail court on Saturday August 31, and was Released with a future appearance date.

The name of the accused is being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

MALE ARRESTED AFTER HOUSE FIRE IN SACHIGO LAKE FIRST NATION

(Sachigo Lake, ON) – Police have arrested a male suspect connected to an arson investigation, which began after a home was destroyed by a fire Tuesday.  

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers working out of the Sachigo Lake First Nation detachment observed a structural fire in the community in the evening hours of Tuesday, Aug. 27.

When officers arrived at the scene, they rushed toward the burning home in an effort to ensure all occupants had been safely evacuated. They were forced to retreat due to the intensity of the blaze.

Fire crews on scene worked to supress the spread of the fire as officers continued to search the area to locate occupants.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, but the structure was a total loss.

Members of the NAPS Crime Units became involved in the ongoing arson investigation.

As a result of continued investigation, a male suspect was identified, located, and taken into custody without incident on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Kenneth Jeremy Sam TAIT-QUILL, 29, of Sachigo Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Arson – Damage to Property

·         Arson – Disregard for Human Life

He appeared in bail court on Friday, Aug. 30 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

DRUGS, FIREARM SEIZED AMID INVESTIGATION IN CONSTANCE LAKE

(Constance Lake, ON) – Police seized about $30,000 worth of drugs and arrested two suspects following a search of a Constance Lake First Nation home Tuesday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a residential address on Machitch Crescent in Constance Lake First Nation in the evening hours of Tuesday, Aug. 27.

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

Following the search, police located and seized a quantity of Crystal Methamphetamine, OxyContin pills, Methamphetamine pills, Hydromorphone pills, cash, a firearm, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The estimated street value of narcotics seized totals more than $30,000CAD.

The investigation identified a female and two male suspects. All three were located and arrested without incident in the evening hours of Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Curtis BUNTING, 40, of Constance Lake First Nation is charged with:

·         Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of OxyContin for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

·         Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

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

·         Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order

·         Failure to Comply with Release Order

Kimberly BAXTER, 33, of Constance Lake First Nation is charged with:

·         Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of OxyContin for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

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

·         Fail to Comply with Undertaking

Wilfred Victor SUTHERLAND, 64, of Constance Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking.

BUNTING and BAXTER both appeared for bail court on Wednesday, Aug. 28 and were remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

SUTHERLAND was released with conditions and a future appearance date.

YOUTH ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

(Kasabonika Lake, ON) – A 17-year-old male has been charged with aggravated assault after another teen was left seriously injured following a recent incident.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Kasabonika Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service about an injured male near the outdoor hockey rink in the early morning hours of Friday, Aug. 23.

When police arrived, they could not locate a male victim. However, they later learned a 17-year-old male was receiving treatment at the nursing station for serious injuries.  

An investigation revealed the injured youth had been involved in an altercation with another 17-year-old male. During this altercation, the victim sustained serious injuries following an alleged assaulted by the male suspect.

The victim was transported to Thunder Bay for further medical evaluation and treatment. The victim remains in the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.   

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

A male suspect was identified, located, and taken into custody without incident on Sunday, Aug. 25. A 17-year-old male from Kasabonika Lake First Nation is charged with:

·         Aggravated Assault

·         Failure to Comply with Undertaking

The youth appeared in court on Monday, Aug. 26 and was remanded into custody with a future court appearance date.

The name of the accused is being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

COCAINE SEIZED FOLLOWING SEARCH OF KASABONIKA LAKE HOME

(KASABONIKA LAKE, ON) – Police arrested a 44-year-old Kasabonika Lake Fist Nation woman after the search of a home led to the seizure of a quantity of cocaine Thursday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a home and vehicle in Kasabonika Lake First Nation in the late morning hours of Thursday, Aug. 22.

The search warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in that community. Following the search, police seized a quantity of cocaine, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

A female suspect was identified and located later that day at a different location in the community. She was taken into custody without incident.    

A 44-year-old woman from Kasabonika Lake First Nation is charged with:  

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

The accused has been released from custody with conditions and a future appearance date.

The names of accused individuals are withheld until the charges have been formally sworn before the courts.

MALE ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF ASSAULT, ARSON

(Fort Albany, ON) – A 29-year-old Fort Albany man faces assault and arson charges following an incident inside a home Thursday afternoon.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers attended a house a fire in Fort Albany in the afternoon hours of Thursday, Aug. 15. Firefighters and paramedics were also dispatched and on scene when officers arrived.  

Police learned a verbal altercation occurred within the home between a male suspect and multiple occupants earlier that afternoon.

The occupants of the home fled after the altercation became physical and the male suspect assaulted another adult male inside the home. The victim and accused are known to each other.

 Police also learned the male suspect is alleged to have started a fire inside the home following this incident.

 Following an investigation that included members of the NAPS Northeast Crime Unit, Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO), and the Office of the Fire Marshal, police located and arrested the male accused without incident on Thursday, Aug. 15. Charges of arson were formally applied on Saturday, Aug. 17.  

 Linden LAZARUS, 29, of Fort Albany First Nation is charged with:

·         Arson – Disregard for Human Life

·         Arson - Damage to Property

·         Assault

·         Failure to comply with release order x 2

The accused has appeared for bail court and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

KASABONIKA LAKE CHURCH FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION

(Kasabonika Lake, ON) – A fire that led to the complete destruction of Kasabonika Lake First Nation’s community church is under investigation.

An on-duty Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officer observed a fire at the church before 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11.

Community firefighters responded to the blaze with a water truck in an attempt to extinguish the fire. Despite those fire suppression efforts, the church was completely lost to the fire.

Members of the NAPS Criminal Investigations Branch, and police working out of the Kasabonika Lake First Nation detachment, are now involved in the continued investigation. 

The fire is being treated as a possible case of arson. No arrests have been made at this time.

If you have any information that could assist investigators please email Mario.Blasizzo@naps.ca. You can also submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.

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.