Major drug bust follows months-long probe into illicit drug trade in Thunder Bay
THUNDER BAY – A police investigation into suspected drug trafficking has led to the seizure of over $225,000 in illicit drugs and the arrest of five individuals following the execution of search warrants at two city residences.
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Intelligence Unit initiated the investigation in the fall of 2024, identifying multiple suspects engaged in trafficking activity. This culminated in search warrants being executed on Thursday, March 13, at residences on Cameron Street and Rona Street.
Seized Items and Arrests
Authorities recovered significant quantities of suspected cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, along with trafficking-related paraphernalia and an unloaded shotgun.
Five individuals were taken into custody and now face multiple charges:
John DEPAOLA, 63, of Thunder Bay
- Trafficking Cocaine (x3)
- Trafficking Fentanyl
- Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Careless Storage of a Firearm
- Breach of Release Order
Sagal ABDILLAHI, 21, of Toronto & Sezar HERMEZ, 32, of North York
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine)
ABDILLAHI faces two additional counts of Trafficking Cocaine.
Brooklyn GIBSON, 26, & Justina VALLEY, 30, of Thunder Bay
- Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Careless Storage of a Firearm
The accused appeared in court on Friday, where they were remanded into custody pending future court dates.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
This operation underscores continued efforts by TBPS to combat the flow of illicit substances into the community. The public is encouraged to report suspected drug activity to law enforcement or Crime Stoppers.
