Thunder Bay police arrested two suspects, seizing a loaded shotgun and fentanyl. Charges and penalties explained

Thunder Bay – NEWS – Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) officers have arrested two individuals and seized a loaded shotgun with a removed serial number and a quantity of suspected fentanyl following the execution of search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking.

Incident Overview

The TBPS Intelligence Unit executed search warrants on January 23, 2025 targeting a residence on Sequoia Drive, and a vehicle connected to the investigation.

Around 2 p.m., officers located a male suspect in the 100 block of Shuniah Street. A search of the suspect and vehicle resulted in the seizure of:

• A quantity of suspected fentanyl.
• More than $3,300 in cash.
• Items consistent with drug trafficking, such as scales and packaging materials.

A subsequent search of the residence led to the discovery of a loaded shotgun with its serial number removed and additional drug paraphernalia.

A female suspect was arrested at the residence.

Details of Criminal Charges and Penalties

Emerson SPIESS-RUEF, 27, is charged with:

1. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
   • Explanation: Under Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), possessing a controlled substance with the intent to sell or distribute is a serious offense.
   • Penalty: Upon conviction, penalties range from a minimum of 1 year to life imprisonment, depending on the quantity and circumstances.
2. Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5,000
   • Explanation: Section 354(1) of the Criminal Code makes it illegal to possess property or money obtained through crime.
   • Penalty: Up to 6 months imprisonment on summary conviction or 2 years less a day on indictment.
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
   • Explanation: Section 86(1) of the Criminal Code prohibits improperly storing firearms, risking public safety.
   • Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment on summary conviction or 5 years on indictment.
4. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
   • Explanation: Section 91(1) of the Criminal Code prohibits possessing a firearm without a valid license.
   • Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment on indictment.
5. Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
   • Explanation: Under Section 92(1), knowing and possessing an unauthorized firearm is a separate offense.
   • Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment.
6. Tampering with Serial Number of a Firearm
   • Explanation: Section 108 of the Criminal Code prohibits altering, removing, or defacing a firearm’s serial number.
   • Penalty: Maximum of 5 years imprisonment.

Kyra GOODMAN, 27, is charged with:

1. Careless Storage of a Firearm
2. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
3. Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
4. Tampering with Serial Number of a Firearm

The charges mirror those faced by SPIESS-RUEF for similar offenses at the residence.

Court Proceedings

Both suspects appeared in court on Friday, January 24. They remain in custody pending their next court date.

Community Impact

This investigation underscores the Thunder Bay Police Service’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and firearm-related offenses, which pose significant risks to public safety. Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.