Meth Bust Names Released
Source: OPP
Date: Sat Jan 18 06:07:37 MST 2025

On Wednesday, January 15th, 2025, members of the Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit with the assistance of the Thunder Bay Detachment and east-side CSCU members, Thunder Bay Police Service Emergency Task Unit (ETU), Northwest Region Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP K9 unit, Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE), and Bail Safety Team executed a warrant in the city of Thunder Bay. This was the result of a months-long investigation into drug trafficking throughout the region. Officers seized cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, weigh scales and currency from this residence. 3 individuals were arrested and charged.
Later in the day, members of ROPE conducted a traffic stop and arrested another suspect in the investigation for outstanding warrants. The driver and passenger were arrested and charged, and a quantity of cocaine, currency, and a pistol magazine were found in the vehicle they were operating.
On Thursday, January 16th, 2025, Thunder Bay CSCU, assisted by TBPS ETU and members of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), executed another warrant at a residence in Thunder Bay. Officers seized a quantity of crystal methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and 2 rifles from the residence.
As a result of the investigation, the following evidence was seized:
142.18g of cocaine
305g of methamphetamine
1 handgun & ammunition
2 rifles
Scales, baggies, etc., and other evidence of drug trafficking
As a result of the investigation, five individuals have been charged.
Joe ROBINSON, a 22-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged with:
· Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 3 contrary to the Criminal Code
· Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition x3 contrary to the Criminal Code
· Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition x3 contrary to the Criminal Code
· Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose contrary to the Criminal Code
· Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo contrary to the Criminal Code
· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Matthew VILLENEUVE, a 22-year-old from Atikokan, Ontario has been arrested and charged with:
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
· Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose contrary to the Criminal Code
· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code
Jeremy BERTIN, a 44-year-old from Calgary, Alberta has been arrested and charged with:
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code
· Failure to comply with release order, contrary to the Criminal Code x2
Ashley BROWN, a 38-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged with:
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code
Charlene KOWAL, a 64-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged with:
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code
All individuals were remanded into custody and have a future bail court hearing.
Members of the OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).