FORT FRANCES – CRIME REPORT – A coordinated drug trafficking investigation by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs, cash, and suspected crime-related property in Fort Frances and Rainy River.
On March 26, 2025, members of the Fort Frances OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the OPP North West Region Intelligence Unit, Kenora OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Treaty Three Police, and specialized units including the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), executed multiple search warrants in both communities.
During the takedown, police arrested seven individuals and seized approximately 130 grams of cocaine, around $2,000 in Canadian currency, as well as fraudulent identification, financial cards, and other items believed to be linked to criminal activity.
Two individuals have been formally charged and held for a bail hearing:
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Mitchell JONES-FOY, 29, of Fort Frances, faces charges of:
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Possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
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Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime
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Possession of an identity document
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David Ryan NELSON, 41, of Scarborough, is charged with:
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Possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
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Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime
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Possession of a credit card
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Possession of an identity document
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Both accused have since been released on bail and are scheduled to appear at the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on April 28, 2025.
What is the CSCU?
The Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) is a specialized policing program that merges local drug enforcement teams and street crime units under the umbrella of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. The CSCU is designed to tackle drug trafficking and property crime at the community level. Units are stationed throughout all five OPP regions, including Northwestern Ontario.
Public Ask for Help
Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.tipshelp.com
