THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Police have made four arrests at the Midtown Inn on Cumberland Street following an investigation into drug trafficking.
TBPS officers have arrested an Ottawa woman and three GTA men Wednesday following a search of several hotel rooms in connection with an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activity.
Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Intelligence, BEAR and COR Units, along with members of the OPP, executed more search warrants at a number of Midtown Inn rooms simultaneously in the late afternoon hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2020. The rooms identified by this investigation appeared to be operating as ongoing drug distribution businesses within the Midtown Inn.
In one room officers located a Toronto male who became combative with police. Despite his resistance, officers were able to complete the arrest. In that room, police officers located a quantity of Fentanyl, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, more than $5,000 in Canadian currency and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, an accused GTA man attempted to flee from police as they executed a warrant at a second room on the fifth floor. The accused was later located attempting to hide inside another area of the hotel. He was subsequently placed under arrest.
In that hotel room officers located a significant quantity of cocaine, Fentanyl and more than $5,000 CAD.
Another GTA man connected with the drug trafficking investigation, and who is believed to have fled from officers when they first arrived, was located in the hotel lobby and arrested.
The estimated street value of drugs seized totals $65,000.
Thunder Bay Police say that the continued seizure of Fentanyl is of particular concern as it represents a significant and continued threat to community safety.
Roid Junior THOMPSON, 34, of Brampton, Ont., is charged with Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, Resist Peace Officer, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000.
Franklyn NOLAN, 37, of Markham, Ont., is charged with Resist Peace Officer, Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
Kayla Rubena CHARLES, 32, of Ottawa, is charged with Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
Christopher ANOFF, 27, of Toronto, is charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Failure to Comply with a Judicial Release.
The Midtown Inn in Thunder Bay has been the scene of repeated drug dealing and overdoses. Police state that their efforts dealing with this clear and present danger to people in Thunder Bay is difficult.
All accused appeared in bail court on Thursday, April 30 and were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.
This is a developing situation and more information will likely follow.
