UCCM Police Canine Unit Assists Sault Ste. Marie Police on large-scale drug seizure
The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service (UCCM APS) canine unit assisted the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) on a search warrant, resulting in a large-scale drug seizure.
On May 21, detectives with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) drug enforcement unit and crime suppression unit, with support from the canine unit, emergency services unit and UCCM APS canine unit, charged 44-year-old Denis Blais and 30-year-old Debbie Kalleo with possession of schedule one drug substances for the purpose of trafficking and several other offences.
Around 10:45 am, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the 0-100 block of Elmwood Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie, reported the SSMPS. Both accused were located inside the residence and arrested.
The search located approximately 225.81 grams of suspected fentanyl, approximately 97.33 grams of suspected cocaine, $2,760 in Canadian currency, drug packaging materials, a digital scale, a cutting agent, and a variety of ammunition. The total estimated street value of drugs seized is approximately $43,604.50.
Mr. Blais and Ms. Kalleo were both charged with careless storage of ammunition, possession of schedule one substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, possession of schedule one substance (fentanyl) for purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. Mr. Blais was also charged with two counts of possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition order.
Both accused were held in custody pending bail hearings.
“Community safety is a collaborative effort with our communities,” a UCCM APS release says. “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 protected and utilized when the police can receive the information firsthand.”
“The UCCM Anishinaabe Police Service, OPP Community Street Crime Unit and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service 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 in 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 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).
