OPP Drug Raid Leads to Seizure of Cocaine, Oxycodone, and Arrests in Dryden
DRYDEN, ON – A significant operation by the Dryden Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has led to the arrest of two individuals on serious drug trafficking charges. The operation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, uncovered a substantial amount of drugs and cash.
The Operation: A Coordinated Effort
On December 6, 2023, the Dryden OPP Community Street Crime Unit, with help from Treaty Three Police, Sioux Lookout OPP, and the OPP Canine Unit, carried out a Controlled Drugs and Substances (CDSA) search warrant on Rourke Avenue in Dryden. This coordinated effort was crucial in uncovering the drug trafficking activities.
The Arrests and Charges
Ali Shamkhi, 20, from Burnaby, BC, and Samantha Machimity, 33, from Dryden, ON, were arrested. The police found cocaine, oxycodone, Canadian currency, and other items linked to drug trafficking. They face several charges:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine: This charge involves having drugs like cocaine with the intent to sell or distribute them.
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 – in Canada: This is about having money or things that were gotten through criminal activities.
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Other Drugs: Similar to the cocaine charge, this one involves other drugs under Schedule I, which are considered very dangerous.
Understanding the Criminal Code Charges
These charges are serious. The Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act lay down strict penalties for such offenses. If found guilty, the accused could face several years in prison, especially for trafficking Schedule I substances like cocaine.
The Accused in Custody
Shamkhi and Machimity are being held in custody and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice. Their case highlights the ongoing issue of drug trafficking in Canada and the efforts by law enforcement to combat it.
Call to Action
The OPP encourages anyone with information about illegal drug possession or trafficking to contact them. For those wishing to stay anonymous, Crime Stoppers is an available option.
