Fort Frances – NEWS – OPP in Fort Frances report that on January 21, 2021, the Rainy River District Detachment (OPP) in conjunction with the Fort Frances OPP Crime Unit, North West Region Emergency Response Team and K-9 Unit conducted a search warrant at a Portage Avenue business in Fort Frances.
As a result of the investigation, officers seized controlled drugs and substances, stolen property and proceeds of crime. Notable seized items included fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, hydromorphone and dilaudid with an estimated street value of $100,000.
Seized property included Canadian currency, imitation firearms and pellet guns, compound bows and a conducted energy weapon. As part of the investigation, police also recovered stolen property related to multiple thefts previously reported.
Thomas Atkinson, aged 30-year-old of Fort Frances remains in custody after being charged with the following offences:
- Five counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order contrary to section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Two counts of Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose contrary to section 88 of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of Proceeds or Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 – in Canada contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada contrary to section 354(1)a of the Criminal Code of Canada
Atkinson’s next court appearance will be January, 25, 2021 in Fort Frances Provincial Court.
Jade Morrison, age 28 years of Fort Frances, ON remains in custody after being charged with the following offences:
- Five counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition contrary to section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose section 88 of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of Proceeds or Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 – in Canada contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – outside Canada contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Failure to Comply with Release Order – other than to attend court contrary to section 145(5)a of the Criminal Code of Canada
Morrison’s next court appearance will be 25 January 2021 in Fort Frances Provincial Court.
The OPP in Fort Frances and across the region are continuing to investigate this incident and other drug related crimes.
OPP say, “If you have any information about the trafficking of fentanyl or any other illicit drugs in the Rainy River District, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000. You may also report online at: http://www.p3tips.com/273.
