Police Seeking owners of boat and outboard motor
The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is looking to contact the owners of a boat and an outboard motor that were seized as a result of a drug trafficking investigation. Meanwhile, five people are facing charges following the execution of controlled drugs and substances act (CDSA) search warrants in Webbwood.
On Tuesday, July 29, members of the Northeast Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the Manitoulin OPP, executed a CDSA search warrant at a residence on First Street in the town of Webbwood.
As a result of the search, officers seized amounts of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, with a total estimated street value of $14,000. Additionally, police seized a camping trailer, a boat and a motor, all believed to be stolen. As a result of the investigation, Hugh Foster, 46, from Sables-Spanish Rivers township, was charged with possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition order, two counts of failure to comply with release order, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, two counts of unauthorized possession of weapon, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking opioid.
Additionally, Justin Foster, 42, from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation was charged with possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition order, failure to comply with release order, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, two counts of unauthorized possession of weapon, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking opioid.
Deborah Benoit, 69, from Webbwood, was charged with two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of a schedule one substance other drugs, possession of a schedule one substance opioid, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
Trevor Middleton, 52, from Sables-Spanish Rivers township, was charged with two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of a schedule one substance other drugs, possession of a schedule one substance opioid, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
Christopher Neville, 34, from Sables-Spanish Rivers township, was charged with two counts of possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition order, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, fail to comply with probation order, two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, two counts of unauthorized possession of a weapon, possession of a schedule one substance methamphetamine, possession of a schedule one substance opioid, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking opioid.
All remained in custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice, with all charged to appear in court August 14, except for Ms. Benoit who is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 22.
During the search, police seized a Lund WC 14 boat on a trailer and a 2022 Mercury 20 horsepower outboard motor. Police are now looking to locate and speak with the individuals who own these items.
If you believe you are the owner of either the boat or the motor, please contact the Manitoulin OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Evansville resident suffers injuries from IPV
On Monday, August 11 at around 9 am, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP, the UCCM Anishinabek Police were alerted to respond to the incident at an Evansville location in Burpee and Mills township. The OPP emergency response team and the UCCM canine unit attended along with Sudbury-Manitoulin paramedics.
The victim was cleared at the scene by the paramedics and was not taken to hospital.
The incident is still under investigation. No charges have been laid as of this time.
Manitoulin OPP confirm identity of missing male recovered from Spanish River
The Manitoulin detachment of the OPP has confirmed that the body recovered from the Spanish River in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township is that of a previously reported missing person from June 16.
On Monday, June 16, at approximately 1 pm, the Manitoulin OPP, and the OPP’s Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU) responded to a report of a deceased person located in the Spanish River.
This thorough investigation was conducted by the Manitoulin OPP Crime Unit, the OPP Forensic Identification Services and the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, which resulted in the deceased person being identified as missing person, 50-year-old Gregory Grant.
The death has been determined to be non-suspicious, and the investigation is complete.