Thunder Bay, Ontario – A joint operation involving Thunder Bay Police, Ontario Provincial Police and other agencies resulted in the arrest of six people and the seizure of suspected cocaine and fentanyl in Thunder Bay.

The Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit, with support from the Emergency Task Force and the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Bureau, executed a search warrant in a residence in the 700 block of Syndicate Avenue North on Wednesday, November 6.

During the search, officers seized suspected quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.

Potential charges and penalties

Six people have been arrested and face drug trafficking charges:

• Jonathon Bryson, 50, of Thunder Bay: Possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl), possession of proceeds of crime less than $5,000 and violation of a release order.
• Deserrae Barber, 38, of Thunder Bay: Possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl), possession of proceeds of crime less than $5,000 and probation violation.
• Elijah Clarke-Caboni, 18, of Brampton: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl) and Possession of Proceeds of Crime less than $5,000.
• Levi Myran, 39, of Thunder Bay: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl) and Possession of Proceeds of Crime less than $5,000.
• Roshawn Williams-Myers, 19, of Brampton: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl) and Possession of Proceeds of Crime less than $5,000.
• A 17-year-old from Toronto: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl) and Possession of Proceeds of Crime less than $5,000.

Possession for the purpose of trafficking charges carry severe penalties upon conviction, up to and including imprisonment, depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved. Charges of Violation of Release Order and Violation of Probation Conditions may result in additional penalties for violating court-ordered conditions.

Presumption of innocence

It is important to remember that all accused individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

All defendants appeared in court on Thursday, November 7 and were remanded in custody pending their next court appearance.

This incident highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking in Thunder Bay.

The involvement of individuals from outside the community highlights the complexity of drug trafficking and the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between police forces.