Dryden OPP

Four people are facing charges after a joint operation between the Treaty Three Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl, weapons and drug paraphernalia.

Police say the arrests occurred on October 2 during a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program conducted by officers from the Treaty Three Police Service (T3PS) and Dryden OPP. The operation was also aimed at locating two individuals wanted by police.

According to investigators, officers stopped a vehicle around 11 p.m. after observing behaviour consistent with possible drunk driving. As police approached the vehicle, they identified one of the occupants as a person wanted by T3PS.

During the investigation, officers allegedly spotted drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the vehicle. Police say one of the occupants attempted to flee on foot during the arrest process but was quickly apprehended after a brief chase. The individual is also accused of resisting arrest.

Following the arrests, officers seized what they describe as a large quantity of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $10,000.

Investigators also recovered drug paraphernalia and other items commonly associated with illicit drug use.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a large knife and an imitation handgun.

Police say the drugs were allegedly destined for the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation community, and the enforcement initiative disrupted suspected trafficking activity.

Four people were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation:

A 35-year-old man from Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation faces charges of:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Three counts of failing to comply with a release order
• Resisting arrest

A 29-year-old man from Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation is charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking

A second 35-year-old man from Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation is charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Two counts of failing to comply with probation

A 43-year-old man from Ignace is charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Driving while under suspension

Police say the two 35-year-old Wabigoon men were held in custody on outstanding warrants and face additional charges.

The 29-year-old Wabigoon man and the 43-year-old Ignace man were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

The investigation remains ongoing.