THUNDER BAY – A five-month long undercover investigation code named “Project Quasimodo” concluded on May 17, 2011 in the City of Thunder Bay with the arrests of a number of city residents and the execution of 2 Controlled Drug and Substances Act search warrants. Drug Enforcement Officers, assisted by the Community Response Team officers, K9 Unit, and Uniform Patrol arrested a number of individuals who are alleged to be responsible for trafficking in Cocaine, Oxycodone tablets, and Morphine pills. Undercover purchases were made from January 2011 to May 17, 2011 and included approximately 97.2 grams of cocaine, 21 Oxycodone 80 mg tablets, and 18 Morphine tablets. Street value of the drugs purchased is approximately $9,800.00.
Two separate Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants; the first on a residence in the 200 block of Powley Street and a second on a residence in the 300 block of Bethune Street were also executed. Seized during these two search warrants were approximately ¾ kilo (700 grams) of Cocaine, approximately 2 ½ lbs (1135 grams) of Marijuana, and in excess of $5,000.00 in Canadian currency. Street value of the drugs seized during the searches is approximately $ 92,700.00.
In total, six males between the ages of 19 and 54 years, and 1 female aged 26 years face numerous charges including Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, Proceeds of Crime, and Breach of Probation. Individuals arrested will be making a court appearance today.
The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit consists of members from The Thunder Bay Police Service, The O.P.P.- Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, The R.C.M.P., The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service and The Anishinabek Police.