THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Police Service says that the cash seized during a recent investigation that led to a number of hotel rooms being searched at the Midtown Inn totals $65,000 CAD.
At the time Police said that the total amounts of drugs seized also had a street value of about $65,000.
The money was seized as a part of the search warrants being executed at the Midtown Inn.
The original media release, issued on April 30, follows for context:
April 30, 2020
P20037925
Ottawa woman, GTA men arrested amid Fentanyl and Cocaine trafficking investigation
Police 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. 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 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 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.
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.
All accused appeared in bail court on Thursday, April 30 and were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.
Through 2020, Thunder Bay Police have repeatedly responded to serious incidents at the Midtown Inn. On March 20, 2020, police reported that officers had located and seized a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, about $8,600 CAD, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
There have also been repeated arrests at the Midtown Inn of individuals who are under conditions of release to not be in Thunder Bay except for court hearings.