Drug Trafficking Charges Laid in Multiple Canadian Cities

Police services in multiple Canadian cities have laid drug trafficking charges in a series of investigations that led to the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, prescription opioids, cash and weapons.

A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and an arrest. Officers with the Intelligence Unit began the investigation in February 2026, after receiving reports of drug trafficking in Thunder Bay. On March 5, 2026, officers located and arrested two suspects on Simpson Street. Suspected illegal drugs, cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking were seized. Officers also conducted a search at a property on Memorial Avenue. During the search, a loaded handgun, suspected crack cocaine, cocaine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone were seized. In total approximately 220 grams of suspected cocaine, 1900 hydromorphone pills and 400 oxycodone pills were seized. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $63,000. As a result of the investigation, 37-year-old Jermaine WHITE from Etobicoke is facing the following charges: possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine; possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid (two counts); possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000; knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm; careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition; possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm; possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (three counts); unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm; and unauthorized possession of weapon. The accused remains in custody with a future court date. A Thunder Bay resident has also been charged with traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine and has been released on an undertaking.

On Friday, March 13, 2026, Charlottetown Police Services Street Crime Unit arrested two individuals, a 36-year-old male and 31-year-old female, following an investigation that was supported by Canada Post Postal Inspectors. The Street Crime Unit, with support from the Tactical Response Unit, executed a Controlled Drug and Substance Act search warrant at a residence on Water Street. Officers seized half a kilogram (502 grams) of crystal methamphetamine, 187 (Dilaudid) hydromorphone pills, bear spray, cell phones and other items consistent with drug trafficking. Tyler Lannigan, 36, and Shianne Ashford, 31, have been charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of weapon for dangerous purpose. Both individuals were remanded in custody and will appear in court on March 19, 2026.

In another Thunder Bay Police Service investigation, officers with the Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit searched a home on Syndicate Avenue North on February 10, 2026. During the search, two individuals in the home were arrested. Suspected cocaine and fentanyl were also seized along with more than $5,000 in cash. As a result of the investigation, 20-year-old Nash JAAZANIAH from Toronto and 65-year-old Cliffton GRATZKI from Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine; possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid; possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000; and obstruct peace officer. Both accused are being held in custody with a future court date.

A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has also resulted in multiple arrests and charges. On March 27, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to a home on Ogden Street in response to a call for service. The TBPS Intelligence Unit became involved in the investigation. As part of the investigation, officers searched a home in the area. During the search of the home officers located and seized a handgun, suspected cocaine, cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation, 35-year-old Lindberg BAXTER of Thunder Bay and 35-year-old Jordan BEAUDOIN of Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: assault (two counts); possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine); possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000; unauthorized possession of weapon; knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm; possession of a prohibited device or ammunition; careless storage of firearm, weapon, or prohibited device (two counts); possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (two counts); and forcible confinement. BEAUDOIN has also been charged with fail to comply with a probation order. Natasha MENEANO-CHEESEQUAY, a 34-year-old of Thunder Bay, is also facing charges including possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, unauthorized possession of weapon, knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, and fail to comply with probation order. All three of the accused were remanded into custody after their first court appearance.

In Sarnia, on March 29, 2026, at 4:25 am, patrol officers were waved down after a passerby had observed a female lying on the ground near Kathleen Avenue and East Street. Police immediately located a female against a fence on the west side of East Street. She was breathing but unresponsive. Beside her was an open purse with drug paraphernalia visible. She was identified as Jessica BABO. EMS and Sarnia Fire arrived on scene, and she was transported to the hospital by ambulance (with police). After being medically treated and able to speak with officers, BABO was later placed under arrest for drug possession. Inside her bag, police located 19.88 grams of cocaine, 7.12 grams of methamphetamine, a water bottle with a hidden compartment containing cocaine, other drug paraphernalia including a scale, and $95 in cash. The street value of the seized drugs was estimated at $2300. Once released from hospital, Jessica BABO (40 years) of no fixed address, was transported to a bail hearing charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession for the purpose of trafficking (methamphetamine), and breach of probation. Following her bail hearing, BABO was remanded into custody by the courts.

In Regina, a 43 year-old male is facing drug trafficking charges following an investigation led by the Regina Police Street Gang Unit. Last evening, with the assistance of the Regina Police Service SWAT Team, investigators executed a CDSA search warrant on a residence in the 800 Block of Retallack Street. Investigators located various quantities of fentanyl, morphine and cash. Seven individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants. Forty-three year old Justin CELISE of Edmonton, AB was arrested and is charged with two counts of possession of a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime. CELISE made his first appearance on these charges in Regina Provincial Court this morning (May 28, 2026) at 9:30 a.m.

Lethbridge Police have charged a 37-year-old male with drug trafficking and removed 143 doses of fentanyl from the street during an enforcement initiative targeting crime and disorder downtown. As part of the project on February 25, members of the Downtown Policing Unit were addressing an illegal encampment along the 200 block of 8 Street North and located a male known to have outstanding warrants. The subject was arrested and, during an incidental search, police seized 14.3 grams of fentanyl along with drug paraphernalia and cash. The drugs were pre-packaged in bulk amounts and police suspect they were destined for sale to other drug traffickers who frequent that area. In total, police executed 70 warrants during the one-day enforcement operation. Peter Stephen Many Bears, 37, of Lethbridge, is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000. He is currently in custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing.