Firearms, drugs seized in northern Ont. First Nation raid

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service assisted by by Ontario Provincial Police and the Lac Seul Police Service seized eight firearms, brass knuckles, a quantity of suspected cocaine and other drug trafficking paraphernalia along with more than $9,500 in cash from locations in Bearskin Lake First Nation on March 4, 2025. (Supplied/Nishnawbe Aski Police Service)

Four individuals have been arrested and multiple firearms, drugs, and cash were seized following a police operation in Bearskin Lake First Nation last week.

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) executed two search warrants in the remote northern Ontario community on the morning of March 4. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the area, police said in a news release.

NAPS was assisted by Ontario Provincial Police and the Lac Seul Police Service’s K9 Unit. During the searches, officers seized eight firearms, brass knuckles, a quantity of suspected cocaine and other drug trafficking paraphernalia along with more than $9,500 in cash.

As a result of the operation, four locals were arrested and face multiple charges. A 54-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman have been charged with eight counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a weapon, possession of property obtained by crime and drug trafficking. Additionally, a 44-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman were both charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm and careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition.

All four accused have been released with conditions and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

“The names of accused individuals are withheld until the charges against them have been formally sworn before the courts,” NAPS said.

Authorities said operations like this highlight NAPS ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime in northern First Nations communities.