Drug Trafficking Investigation Leads to Arrest in North Caribou Lake First Nation

NORTH CARIBOU LAKE FIRST NATION, ON – One individual has been charged following a drug trafficking investigation by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in North Caribou Lake First Nation.

OPP Responds to Incident at Community Airport

On April 12, 2025, officers from the North Caribou Lake First Nation OPP Detachment responded to a call for service at the community’s airport. Upon arrival, officers began investigating a person suspected of possessing illicit substances.

Suspected Cocaine and Opioids Seized During Arrest

As part of the investigation, officers arrested one individual and seized a quantity of suspected illegal drugs. The substances recovered included cocaine, oxycodone pills, and hydromorphone – all of which are classified under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

Accused to Appear in Thunder Bay Court April 16

As a result, Jolene KAKEKAYASH, 42, of North Caribou Lake First Nation, has been charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Opioid (two counts)

KAKEKAYASH was held for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on April 16, 2025.

Reporting Dealers Can Save Lives – The Front Line in Northern Ontario’s Opioid Crisis

The opioid overdose crisis continues to take lives at a staggering rate across Northern Ontario, including within First Nations communities. In 2024 alone, the Thunder Bay District recorded one of the highest per-capita opioid overdose death rates in the province. Much of this crisis is driven by the trafficking of illicit substances such as fentanyl, hydromorphone, and other opioids often sold through bootleg networks in remote communities.

Reporting known drug dealers and bootleggers isn’t just about stopping crime — it’s about saving lives.

In many First Nations, access to emergency health care is limited. When a toxic batch of drugs enters a small community, the results can be catastrophic — sometimes claiming multiple lives in a matter of days.

What You Can Do:

• Report suspicious activity to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122

• Submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.tipshelp.com

• Talk to local leaders or health workers about harm reduction and community safety strategies

Each report could help intercept dangerous drugs before they hit the streets — and give someone struggling with addiction another chance at life.

“It takes a community to break the cycle. Silence can kill — but speaking up can save lives.”