Police seize handgun, taser and suspected drugs at traffic stop in Sheguiandah
Three people are facing charges after police located weapons and suspected drugs during a traffic stop.
On Wednesday, July 23, at approximately 8 pm, officers with the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a vehicle veering onto the shoulder and struggling to maintain a consistent speed on Highway 6 in Sheguiandah. A traffic stop was conducted, and further investigation resulted in the three vehicle occupants being arrested.
Additionally, police seized a handgun, a taser, a knife, an amount of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $5,600, an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $4,800, an amount of suspected psilocybin and approximately $7,200 in Canadian currency.
The driver, Tyson Fox, 29 years old of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, was charged with: failure to comply with release order, four counts of careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of prohibited ammunition for dangerous purpose, two counts of carrying concealed weapon, carry concealed prohibited device, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, unauthorized possession of a weapon, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was prohibited device or ammunition, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking.
The passenger, Robert Manitowabi, 41 years old from Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, was charged with: possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order, three counts of failure to comply with release order, allegation of breach conditional sentence, four counts of careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, two counts of carrying concealed weapon, carry concealed prohibited device or ammunition, unauthorized possession of prohibited or restricted firearm, unauthorized possession of weapon, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited device or ammunition, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid, possession of schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking.
The second passenger, Chassity Corbierre, 43 years old from Sudbury, was charged with four counts of careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, two counts of possession of prohibited device or ammunition for dangerous purpose, two counts of carrying concealed weapon, carry concealed prohibited device or ammunition, unauthorized possession of prohibited or restricted firearm, unauthorized possession of weapon, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited device or ammunition, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid, possession of a schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking.
The three accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 1.
You can help support and contribute to the safety of your community. If you have knowledge of criminal activity, take action confidentially by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by submitting a secure tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Your identity will remain anonymous, and your information could play a crucial role in keeping drugs, weapons and crime out of your community. You may also be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Significant drug seizure in Wiikwemkoong following RIDE check
During a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check at approximately 8 pm on July 27, the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) investigated a vehicle that led to the seizure of fentanyl with a street value exceeding $22,000, cocaine valued at $6,000, and a small amount of cash.
“This operation is a clear example of what can be achieved when our community stands united against the threat of drug trafficking,” said Ron Gignac, Chief of Police, WTPS. “Our drug enforcement strategy is rooted in intelligence-led policing and community trust. We are not just seizing drugs, we are reclaiming safety, dignity and hope for our people. Every arrest, every seizure, is a step toward healing and resilience.”
As a result of the seizure, four parties have been charged with numerous criminal and drug trafficking-related offences: 25-year-old male of Brampton has been charged with possession of a Schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine and possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid (CDSA 5(2).
A 55-year-old male of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory was charged with possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine (CDSA 5(2) and possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid (CDSA 5(2).
An 18-year-old male from Mississauga was charged with possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine (CDSA) 5(2) and possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid (CDSA) 5(2).
One youth, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has also been charged with: possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine (CDSA 5(2), and possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid (CDSA 5(2), and obstruction of a peace officer (CC 129 (a).
All accused adults are scheduled for court on September 16.
The WTPS remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate drug-related crime through strategic partnerships with the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). These collaborations are part of a joint force operation that leverages shared intelligence, specialized units, and community engagement to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prevent the spread of addiction and violence.
“Our goal is not only to enforce the laws but to heal and protect our community,” said Police Chief Gignac. “By working together with UCCM and OPP, we are building a united front against the drug crisis that prioritizes safety, accountability and hope.”
Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity and support ongoing efforts to keep Wiikwemkoong safe. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or through our online reporting portal at wtps.ca.
Community safety operation leads to multiple arrests
A coordinated police operation early in the morning of July 31 led to multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs and evidence consistent with drug trafficking in WUT.
In the early morning hours of July 31, members of the WTPS, with support from the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, Emergency Response Team, Community Street Crime Unit, and the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, executed three search warrants across the territory.
Officers seized a quantity of cocaine, a replica firearm and other items linked to drug trafficking activities.
Four people from Wiikwemkoong were arrested and charged: a 36-year-old woman was charged with failure to comply with a recognizance and possession of a schedule one substance; a 36-year-old man was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking; a 42-year-old man was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking; a 37-year-old woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant and held for a bail hearing; a 28-year-old man was charged with failure to comply with a recognizance and also held for a bail hearing.
These arrests form part of a broader joint force operation focused on dismantling nefarious drug networks and reducing the impacts of addiction and violence across Manitoulin Island.
“WTPS is taking meaningful steps to protect our communities and uphold the safety and well-being of all residents,” said Chief Ron Gignac of WTPS. “When community members report suspicious activity, whether through our online reporting system or anonymously via Crime Stoppers, they are playing a vital role in removing drugs from our neighbourhoods.”
The WTPS remains grateful for Ogimaa Tim Ominika and the Wiikwemkoong Band Council for their continued support and leadership. Together, we are building a safer, stronger and more resilient territory for everyone,” he said.
WTPS encourages residents to report suspicious behaviour. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at wtps.ca.
Illicit narcotics seized, suspect arrested in Wiikwemkoong RIDE operation
A RIDE check by the WTPS led to the seizure of illicit narcotics and Canadian currency, and the arrest of a 31-year-old man already facing drug trafficking charges.
Police stopped a vehicle at about 2:51 pm on Wednesday, July 30 during an interdiction enforcement initiative. A search led officers to seize suspected cocaine and cash. The driver, a Wiikwemkoong resident, was arrested without incident.
He is charged with possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, under the controlled drugs and substances act (CDSA 4(1), and with driving under suspension under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA 53). The accused is scheduled to appear in court on September 16.
“This interdiction operation highlights the strength and unity of our community in taking a stand against drug trafficking,” said WTPS Police Chief Ron Gignac. “Our drug enforcement strategy is guided by the voices and concerns of our people. It is built on trust and shared responsibility. We are not just removing harmful substances, we are protecting families, restoring dignity and building a safer, healthier future together.”
WTPS says it remains committed to reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs through its joint force partnership with the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service and the OPP. The collaboration focuses on sharing intelligence, applying specialized enforcement and involving the community in solutions that disrupt drug trafficking and prevent addiction-related harm.
The service also thanked Ogimaa Tim Ominika and the Wiikwemkoong Band Council for its ongoing support, calling its leadership essential to keeping the community safe.
Manitoulin OPP investigating robbery in Espanola
The Manitoulin detachment of the OPP is currently investigating a robbery that occurred at a convenience store in Espanola.
On Friday, July 25, at approximately 7:15 pm, officers with the Manitoulin OPP responded to a robbery that occurred at a convenience store on Mead Boulevard in Espanola. The suspect entered the store, brandished a knife and demanded that the employee open the cash register while waving the knife at them. The suspect fled on foot with cash and stolen items before police arrived. There were no injuries reported.
“Armed robberies are serious and violent crimes that jeopardize the safety of employees, customers, and the broader community. Incidents like this impact the sense of safety and security within a community. Solving this case is a priority for the OPP, and we urge anyone with information to contact the Manitoulin OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash rewarded of up to $2,000.
This investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as additional information is available.