Thunder Bay, ON – A joint forces operation targeting drug trafficking has led to the arrest of two individuals from Nova Scotia.
On October 10th, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a residence on South Creek Square. The operation involved the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG), OPP Canine, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS), Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), TBPS Emergency Tactical Unit (ETU), and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Seized Items:
The search yielded a significant seizure of:
- Over $70,000 in Canadian currency
- Approximately five grams of suspected cocaine
- Three oxycodone tablets
- Three cell phones
- A digital scale
- Packaging material
- A gold chain and bracelet
- A luxury watch
Charges and Potential Penalties:
Matthew CATER, 37, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Na’Taejin SMITH, 18, of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, are each facing the following charges:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine: This offense, under section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Oxycodone: This offense, also under section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000: This charge, under section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code, carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
Court Appearance:
The two accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on November 19th, 2024. It is Netnewsledger policy in instances of criminal charges to publish the names of the accused, if the police publish their names, it is a means of ensuring the public is aware and is a matter of public record.
Important Reminder:
It is important to remember that all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges laid against them are allegations, and the actual penalties upon conviction, if any, will be determined by the court based on various factors, including the severity of the offenses, their criminal history, and any mitigating circumstances.
Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG):
The PGNG is an OPP-led initiative dedicated to disrupting criminal street gang activity and reducing illegal firearms in Ontario. The team comprises members from various police services in Ontario and Quebec, as well as the RCMP. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting organized crime and ensuring community safety.
