TIMMINS – NEWS – The Ontario Provincial Police and Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service have made a major drug bust. Project Coast has been an eight month long investigation that while still ongoing had twenty-one search warrants exercised and huge amounts of drugs and cash seized.
“The trafficking of illegal and prescription drugs brings an element of society into our communities that engage in further criminal behaviours to protect their enterprises. By working collaboratively with our police partners and mobilizing community leaders, the individuals who target our people have been arrested and charged as we tackle several challenging issues,” commented Chief Terry ARMSTRONG, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service.
“Project COAST demonstrates that the OPP will do whatever it takes to support our police and Aboriginal community partners to support the wellness of our most vulnerable communities and prevent further harm and victimization,” stated Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince) HAWKES, Ontario Provincial Police.
In November 2015, the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) began a joint investigation to identify and dismantle drug distribution networks trafficking prescription medications and illicit drugs to communities in northeastern Ontario. The lengthy investigation focussed on the Timmins and Chapleau area and James Bay coastal communities, noting these drugs typically sell at four times the street price compared to urban centres, providing considerable profit incentive for criminals to exploit vulnerable residents in Aboriginal communities.
At a news conference in Timmins, NAPS Chief Terry ARMSTRONG, OPP Deputy Commissioner Rick BARNUM, Timmins Police Chief John GAUTHIER and Anishinabek Police Service Deputy Chief Dave WHITLOW unveiled details of the investigation and displayed samples of the evidence seized during the six-month probe. They were joined by Nishnawbe-Aski Nation leaders who provided insight into the challenges and devastating impacts illegal drugs and misuse of prescription medications have had on their citizens.
The twenty-one search warrants were executed earlier this month at locations across northern and eastern Ontario, where police seized the following drugs:
- 57,792 methamphetamine pills
- 7,229 oxycodone pills
- 706 grams of cocaine
- 476.6 grams of marijuana
- 154.25 fentanyl patches
Investigators also seized more than $252,000, a shotgun and a bulletproof vest.
Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day states, “NAPS has done a great job. The issues on this run quite deep. Often the unseen victims here remain suffering from poverty, violence and various forms of mental health and addiction issues. It will remain a challenge until there is a unified effort with crown governments to deal with the systemic issues underlying this terrible industry.”
Day adds, “For today, congratulations for all involved in suppressing the flow of illicit drugs and perpetuating an industry that is killing our people. Chiefs in Assembly across Ontario look at this type of initiative and we are very encouraged by the level of coordination and response of law enforcement. Now we need to continue our efforts to address the core issues and continue to create bridges, partnerships and make investments toward change. Health; Social; Economy; Infrastructure; etc., we must ensure that all the weight is not placed on drug busts to fix the issues. This is a great start – and it is just one piece of the solution”.
Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler states, “We congratulate Chief Terry Armstrong and all of the officers who participated in this seven-month investigation which has seized millions of dollars’ worth of narcotics destined for NAN First Nations. We are proud of these officers and their outstanding efforts to keep drugs away from our children and communities. NAPS is not funded to conduct major criminal investigations, but the success of this investigation shows the need for adequate resources including a coordinated drug unit.”
Police have laid 341 charges against 55 people.
List of Persons Facing Project Coast Charges
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
| Aaron WAPACHEE | 37 | TIMMINS, ON | • Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: June 28/16 |
| Abel SOLANO- SANTANA | 37 | OTTAWA, ON | • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
| Adnan FAZELI | 31 | OTTAWA, ON | • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
| Albert WESLEY | 33 | MOOSONEE, ON | • Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: June 28/16 |
| Alexis HOOKIMAW | 20 | MOOSE FACTORY, ON | • Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x1 |
Date: June 28/16 |
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
| Andrew LINKLATER | 36 | MOOSONEE, ON | • Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2 • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 3 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: June 28/16 |
| Angela NESHAWABIN | 34 | CHAPLEAU, ON | • Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 5
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 5 |
Date: TBD |
| Beverly SAUNDERS | 36 | CHAPLEAU, ON | • Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
William TURGEON |
24 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 13 • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 11 |
Date: TBD |
|
Brandon VIGNOLA |
22 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1 |
Date: TBD |
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
|
Brittney HAWBOLDT |
20 |
TORONTO, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 1 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 • Obstruct Police sec. 129 of the Criminal Code X 1 |
Date: May 28/16 |
|
Cheryl CHEECHOO |
38 |
MOOSONEE, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 1 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: June 28/16 |
|
Christopher HEWITT |
30 |
OTTAWA, ON |
• Fail to Comply with Recognizance sec. 145(3) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: TBD |
|
Daniel GOBEIL |
30 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order sec. 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
Darrell JAMES |
54 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: June 28/16 |
|
Darrell SAUNDERS |
33 |
CHAPLEAU, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 3
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: TBD |
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
|
David AMBEAU |
38 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
David FARIES |
30 |
MOOSE FACTORY, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 14
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 14 |
Date: TBD |
|
Desiree WABANO |
30 |
MOOSONEE, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: June 28/16 |
|
Devin ETHERINGTON |
38 |
MOOSONEE, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 6
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 6 |
Date: TBD |
|
Dominik GAMACHE |
23 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 5
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 5 |
Date: TBD |
|
Edgar TURGEON |
27 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 5 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 3 |
Date: TBD |
|
Edward GAGNON |
23 |
MOOSE FACTORY, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 7 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 8 |
Date: TBD |
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
|
Edward JAMES |
52 |
SUDBURY, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 3 • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 3 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: June 28/16 |
|
Edward NAKOGEE |
42 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 5
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 4 |
Date: TBD |
|
Eric LOON |
45 |
FORT ALBANY, ON | • Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
Evelyn WESLEY |
66 |
MOOSE FACTORY, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
Holli KASABOSKI |
29 |
RENFREW, ON |
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
| Holli LARCHER | 36 | CHAPLEAU, ON | • Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 4 | Date: TBD |
|
Hyani RUTARE |
20 |
OTTAWA, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
|
Ian BENEDICIC |
26 |
FOLEYET, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 4
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 4 |
Date: TBD |
|
James ALISAPPI |
20 |
MOOSONEE, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession of Prohibited Weapon sec. 92(2) of the Criminal Code x 1 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: June 28/16 |
|
James FARIES |
46 |
MOOSE FACTORY, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
Jasmin MATHEWS |
28 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2 • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 3 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: TBD |
|
Jennifer OKIMAW |
39 |
MOOSONEE, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2 • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 3 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: TBD |
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
|
Joni SOLOMON |
30 |
MOOSONEE, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: June 28/16 |
|
John Paul (J.P.) BEGIN |
47 |
CHAPLEAU, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 11
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 11 |
Date: TBD |
|
John WESLEY |
59 |
MOOSE FACTORY, ON |
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
Joshua DESJARLAIS |
28 |
NORTH YORK, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2 • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 3 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: TBD |
|
Kevin SAUNDERS |
35 |
BRUNSWICK HOUSE FIRST NATION, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 3 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: TBD |
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
|
Young Person |
n/a |
OTTAWA, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
Lucy-Ann MOAR |
29 |
MOOSE FACTORY, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: June 28/16 |
|
Michael CHENIER |
31 |
ORLEANS, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Operation While Disqualified sec. 259(4) of the Criminal Code x 6 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: TBD |
|
Michelle MOUSSEAU |
23 |
OTTAWA, ON |
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 2
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
Nicholas CORMIER |
20 |
TIMMINS, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 5
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 3 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 6 • Possession of Counterfeit Currency sec. 450(b) of the Criminal Code X 1 |
Date: TBD |
|
Patrick GALLANT |
26 |
OTTAWA, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2 |
Date: TBD |
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
|
Rejean GRAVEL |
48 |
SCHUMACHER, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 3 |
Date: TBD |
|
Richard FARQUHARSON |
21 |
MOOSONEE, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 4
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 4 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 3 |
Date: TBD |
|
Roy GOLDEN |
55 |
BRUNSWICK HOUSE FIRST NATION, ON |
• Possession of Substance sec. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 3 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 3 |
Date: TBD |
|
Russell WILLIAMS |
25 |
MOOSONEE, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: June 28/16 |
|
Sharon SAUNDERS |
42 |
CHAPLEAU, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: TBD |
| Steven EDWARDS | 27 | TIMMINS, ON | • Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1 | Date: TBD |
|
Terrance SAUNDERS |
34 |
CHAPLEAU, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 2 |
Date: TBD |
| NAME | AGE | CITY OF RESIDENCE | CHARGE | COURT & DATE and LOCATION of COURT |
| Valarie WHEESK | 47 | MOOSONEE, ON | • Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 1 | Date: June 28/16 |
|
Wayne BRISCOE- SINOBERT |
33 |
CHAPLEAU, ON |
• Trafficking sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 5
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code x 4 |
Date: TBD |
