Four Arrested Following Joint Police Operation
NAPS and OPP seize eight firearms and cocaine in Bearskin Lake First Nation, arresting four in a drug bust
BEARSKIN LAKE, ON – Four individuals have been arrested following a significant drug and firearm seizure in Bearskin Lake First Nation.
On March 4, 2025, officers from the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Intelligence Unit, supported by the NAPS Emergency Response Team, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and Lac Seul Police Service’s K9 Unit, executed two search warrants in the remote northern community.
The warrants were issued as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in Bearskin Lake First Nation, with local NAPS officers leading efforts to combat the issue.
Seized During the Operation:
- Eight firearms
- Brass knuckles
- Suspected cocaine
- Over $9,500 in cash
- Drug trafficking paraphernalia
Charges Laid Against Four Individuals
A 32-year-old female from Bearskin Lake First Nation faces charges of:
- Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (x8)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
A 54-year-old male from Bearskin Lake First Nation faces the same charges.
A 44-year-old male from Bearskin Lake First Nation is charged with:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Careless Storage of a Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device, or Ammunition
A 40-year-old female from Bearskin Lake First Nation is charged with:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Careless Storage of a Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device, or Ammunition
Ongoing Court Proceedings
All four accused have been released from custody with conditions and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date. Their names will not be disclosed until charges are formally sworn before the courts.
Community Safety and the Importance of Reporting Drug Activity
Illegal drug and firearm activity poses a serious threat to community safety, particularly in remote First Nations. Drug trafficking contributes to violence, addiction, and the spread of illicit substances such as opioids and fentanyl, which continue to fuel overdose crises across Northern Ontario.
Authorities urge residents to report drug-related activity to help prevent further harm. Reporting can lead to safer communities and reduce access to dangerous substances.
How to Report Crime Anonymously
📞 Contact NAPS or OPP at 1-888-310-1122
📞 Submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.tipshelp.com
Your information could save lives and help remove dangerous drugs and weapons from the community.
