THUNDER BAY, ON – Four individuals, including a resident of East Gwillimbury, are facing charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) following a significant drug seizure in Thunder Bay.
The investigation, led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG), culminated on December 10, 2024, with three search warrants executed at properties in Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls.
Seized Items
Authorities seized the following during the operation:
- 1.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine
- $257,000 in Canadian currency
- Four cell phones
- Three digital scales
- One laptop computer
The drugs have an estimated street value of $170,000.
Charges and Accused
The following individuals have been charged with offences under the CC and CDSA:
- Malcolm PARCHMENT, 30, of East Gwillimbury
- Philip ARPIN, 62, of Thunder Bay
- April ARPIN, 43, of Thunder Bay
- Lauritz PAJAMAKI, 70, of Kakabeka Falls
Charges include:
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
One accused remains in custody, while the other three have been released and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on various dates.
Collaborative Effort
The operation was a coordinated effort involving the OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Community Street Crime Unit, Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Emergency Task Unit, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), and the Toronto Police Service Drug Squad.
The OPP thanked TBPS, NAPS, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for their collaboration in the PGNG program.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities are urging anyone with information about illegal firearms, drug trafficking, or other criminal activities to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or via ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
About the PGNG Program
The PGNG aims to disrupt street gang activities and reduce illegal firearms and drug trafficking across Ontario and Quebec. Comprising members from 20 police services and the RCMP, the PGNG is dedicated to protecting communities from the threats posed by organized crime.
