2 charged in $105K drug bust in remote Ontario First Nation community

Nishnawbe Aski police seize $105,000 in drugs along with cash and trafficking materials from a Marten River First Nation home; two people have been charged.

Police have charged two people and seized more than $100,000 worth of suspected drugs after searching a home on Marten Falls First Nation this week.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, with support from its canine unit, executed a search warrant at a residential address in the 0-100 block of Lagoon Road on June 2.

Warrant obtained through investigation

“The warrant was obtained as a result of an investigation into drug trafficking activity within the community,” said the Indigenous police force in a news release Wednesday.

“The investigation remains ongoing.”

Police said officers located and arrested one suspect without incident while en route to the home and a second suspect was arrested after officers arrived on scene.

Cash, drugs, more seized

Following their search, police seized a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, psilocybin, buprenorphine and cash along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

“The estimated street value of drugs seized totals more than $105,000,” said Nishnawbe Aski police.

Multiple charges

A 32-year-old local woman and a 33-year-old man from Geraldton have each been charged with three drug trafficking offences and possession of property obtained by crime.

The woman has since been released with conditions and a future court date.

The man appeared for a bail hearing on June 3 and was released with conditions and a future appearance date. His release conditions include not attending the community of Marten Falls First Nation.