THUNDER BAY – CRIME REPORT – Thunder Bay Police have conducted a major drug operation. The investigation has led to a number of arrests and seizure of drugs, guns and weapons.
In the spring of 2014, members of the Thunder Bay Police Guns and Gangs Unit began an investigation into a group of males selling crack cocaine in the area of Bethune and Cumming St.
On September 16, 2014 a traffic stop was conducted on May Street by Uniform Patrol Officers which led to the arrest of two males involved with this group of males. A quantity of cocaine, marihuana and cash were seized from the vehicle.
Brian Essiambre, 25 year old and 54 year old Robert Ternowski both of the Calgary area have been charged with Possession for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine 5(2) CDSA and Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000.00 CC 354(1)(a).
As a result of this traffic stop, two search warrants were executed on September 17, 2014 with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit at a residence on Rosslyn Rd and a residence on Bethune St. Seized from the Rosslyn Road residence: $31,815 cash; 258 grams of crack cocaine. Street value $77,400; 923 Ecstasy tablets, street value $9,230; .38 calibre semi-automatic handgun; Sawed off 12 gauge shotgun; 2 shotguns; 3 rifles; Brass knuckles; Switch blade; 2 bullet proof vests.
Taylor LeClerc, 21 years old, of Langley B.C. and 54 year old Robert Ternowski and 24 year old Jamie Mortimer of the Calgary area have been charged with numerous gun and drug possession charges.
Further investigation also led to Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine charges being laid on Mortimer, LeClerc, Ternowski and Essiambre.
Investigators have been able to link the individuals involved in these recent arrests with three males arrested in June on drug and weapons related offences. All seven males have ties to British Columbia or Alberta and are believed to be associated to the “856 Street Gang” from Western Canada. All have also been charged with Participation in a Criminal Organization and will appear in court today. The investigation is ongoing.
