Warrant leads to firearm seizure
On April 23, the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service executed a search warrant at a residence in M’Chigeeng First Nation. This resulted in the seizure of a firearm allegedly used in the commission of criminal offences.
“The firearm was in the possession of an individual whose actions pose a significant threat to our people and our community. This investigation remains ongoing and there is no immediate or known threat to public safety. More details will be provided once information has been sworn in by the Ontario Court of Justice,” said James Killeen, UCCM Chief of Police.
“Recognition and thanks to the entire team (frontline officers, crime unit, canine unit) involved in the execution of the search warrant and the ongoing investigation. Your efforts are helping to keep our communities safe,” said Police Chief Killeen.
Community safety is a collaborative effort with our communities, said Police Chief Killeen. “UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service would like to remind the public that we need to work together to ensure the safety, protection and overall health and wellness of our communities. We need your help, your information, and your assistance to affect change.”
“Drug trafficking invites residual and lateral violence into your communities, such as home invasions, serious assaults, and homicides and leads to the erosion of our communities through addiction, homelessness, and overdose deaths. We need to speak directly with the people who have the information that we require to ensure the safety and protection of our communities. Remember information is best projected and utilized when the police can receive the information firsthand,” continued Chief of Police Killeen.
The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, OPP Community Street Crime Unit and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Services remain committed to working collaboratively and will continue to focus its efforts on major crime operations that pose a direct and elevated threat to the safety, security and wellness of our communities. This combined integrated Street Crime Unit is a Joint Force Operation and aims to identify and disrupt organized crime on Manitoulin Island through innovative technology, collaborative partnerships and traditional police work resulting the arrests of those involved, holding them accountable for their criminal activities and the seizure of illegal drugs, prohibited firearms and proceeds of crime.
If anyone has further information regarding any criminal activity, drug trafficking and/or organized crime, please contact UCCM Police at 705-377-7135 or Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com Together we can make a difference!
Wikwemikong Tribal Police service executes warrant resulting in five arrests
In the early morning hours of April 24, the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS), in a concerted effort to combat drug-related crime successfully executed another significant operation.
Following a preliminary investigation and in collaboration with the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, OPP Emergency Response Team and UCCM canine unit, officers executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant at a residence on Wikwemikong Way Road in Wiikwemkoong.
“The combined efforts of community leaders and law enforcement agencies demonstrate our commitment to protecting our community from the dangers posed by illegal drugs,” said Ron Cignac, chief of police for WTPS. “The successful operation also highlights the crucial role that community support plays in these initiatives. By fostering an environment where residents feel empowered to report suspicious activities, we strengthen our collective resolve against illegal drug activities.”
The investigation led to the seizure of cocaine valued at over $15,000 along with evidence indicative of drug trafficking initiatives. Law enforcement officers also confiscated $805 in cash, cell phones and 3D firearms. It is of particular note that 3D prohibited firearms and prohibited accessory devices were located and seized from this search warrant.
Additionally, five adults from Wiikwemkoong have been charged with drug trafficking and firearms-related offences concerning the manufacturing of firearms and possessing a prohibited device. The individuals charged include: a 31-year-old male, a 40-year-old male, a 30-year-old male, a 37-year-old female, a 30-year-old female.
All individuals are scheduled to appear in court on June 17.
The success of this operation is thanks to strong community support and the hard work of our police teams. While we receive tips from the public, it starts a careful process that involves planning and coordination among different police units. This teamwork helps us carry out operations safely and effectively, the WTPS release notes.
Getting permission to search someone’s home requires meeting strict legal standards to protect individual rights. Police must plan these operations with great care, always keeping in mind the safety of the public, officers and everyone involved when dealing with drugs and firearms.
These arrests mark another significant milestone in ongoing efforts to implement a community-wide comprehensive drug strategy aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of future generations in Wiikwemkoong, the WTPS said.
Collision on Highway 6 leads to seizure of suspected cocaine
Three people are facing charges after a single vehicle collision.
On Thursday, April 10, at approximately 8 am, the Manitoulin OPP were called to a single motor vehicle collision (MVC) on Highway 6 near Whitefish River First Nation. Police attended the scene, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation. Police confirmed there were no injuries as a result of the collision.
Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $2,800 and a knife.
As a result, the driver, Nicole Pheasant, 33, from Wiikwemkoong was charged with operation vehicle impaired drugs, possession of a schedule one substance cocaine.
The passenger, Tyler Bondy, 29, from Wiikwemkoong, was charged with possession of a schedule one substance cocaine, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, failure to comply with release order.
The second passenger, Allison Recollet, 47, from Wiikwemkoong, was charged with possession of a schedule one substance cocaine.
Manitoulin OPP make three impaired arrests in one day
On Sunday, April 13 the Manitoulin OPP arrested three drivers for impaired operation.
On April 13 at approximately 9 am, the Manitoulin OPP were called to an intimate partner violence (IPV) occurrence, where the caller reported that an involved person had fled the scene in a vehicle. Shortly after, police located and stopped the vehicle in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI). Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.
The driver, a 41-year-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with operation while impaired blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), spousal assault, assault with a weapon spousal. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 13.
A second arrest for impaired operation was made at approximately 1 pm. Police received a traffic complaint for a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in Baldwin township. Officers located the vehicle on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers township and conducted a traffic stop. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.
The driver, Lorri Millsap, 57, from Bonfield, was charged with operation while impaired alcohol, operation while impaired blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor, drive motor vehicle, fail to display two plates. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2.
The Manitoulin OPP made a third arrest for impaired operation at approximately 4:30 pm. Police received a traffic complaint reporting a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers township. Police located the vehicle on Highway 17 and conducted a traffic stop. Police observed signs that the driver was impaired, and an arrest was made.
As a result, the driver, Warren Betty, 60, from Sault Ste. Marie, was charged with operation while impaired alcohol, operation while impaired blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2.
RIDE check in Espanola results in two impaired arrests
On Friday, April 18 officers with the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a reduce impaired driving everywhere (RIDE) check on Centre Street in Espanola and made two impaired arrests.
At approximately 12:30 am, a vehicle came through the RIDE check. Police initiated an investigation, and the driver was arrested for impaired operation.
As a result, Hillary Pangowish, 31, from Little Current, was charged with: operation while impaired alcohol, operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), operate unsafe vehicle.
The Manitoulin OPP officers continued the RIDE check and at approximately 2 am, a vehicle came through the check and an odour of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from the driver’s breath. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.
As a result, Dante Recollet, 22, from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT) was charged with operation while impaired alcohol, operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) driving while under suspension, drive vehicle with cannabis readily available, having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor.
The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to make the call and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.
Alert for suspended driver results in impaired arrest
On April 15, at approximately 3 pm, the Manitoulin OPP were conducting general patrol in the town of Espanola, when they received an automated licence plate recognition (ALPR) alert for a possible suspended driver on a passing vehicle. Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Centre Street in Espanola. Police observed signs that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.
Additionally, police seized a small amount of suspected cocaine.
As a result the driver, Maxwell Wabegijik, 42, from Sheshegwaning First Nation was charged with operation while impaired by drugs, refusal to comply with demand, possession of a schedule one substance-cocaine, and driving while under suspension.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2.
