DRYDEN, ON – An investigation by the Dryden Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) has resulted in significant drug trafficking and weapons charges against two individuals, thanks to assistance from the Dryden OPP Detachment and the Northwest Region Canine Unit.
Details of the Incident
On July 3, 2024, just before 5:00 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted on Highway 17 in the Township of Zealand. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of suspected illicit drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl, as well as a firearm, Canadian currency, and evidence of drug trafficking.
Arrested Individuals and Charges
Marko Shkilny, 29, of Toronto:
- Resist peace officer
- Obstruct peace officer
- Assault with a weapon
- Flight from peace officer
- Dangerous operation
- Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a Prohibition Order (2 counts)
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
- Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
- Possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number has been tampered with
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (5 counts)
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000
Bryson Ducharme, 29, of Sioux Lookout:
- Resist peace officer
- Obstruct peace officer
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
- Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
- Possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number has been tampered with
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (5 counts)
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000
Legal Proceedings and Public Appeal
Both individuals are currently remanded in custody at the Kenora District Jail and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on July 9, 2024.
Community Involvement
The OPP urges anyone with information about the trafficking of illicit drugs to contact them at 1-888-310-1122. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
