The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service says search warrants executed at two residences in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island on Thursday have resulted in the seizure of suspected controlled substances and multiple arrests. Police said the searches yielded suspected crack cocaine and fentanyl with a combined estimated street value exceeding $77,000, along with more than $5,000 in cash, digital scales and multiple cell phones. Four charged, one additional arrest on outstanding warrant Wikwemikong tribal police, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police and the UCCM Police Service’s canine unit, arrested multiple people inside the residences while executing the search warrants on Oct. 1. As a result of the drug investigation, three residents of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory — a 36-year-old man, a 48-year-old woman and a 56-year-old woman — along with a 19-year-old from Hamilton, were each charged with one drug trafficking offence and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime. The 48-year-old woman also had an outstanding warrant and faces a second drug trafficking charge. Additionally, a 21-year-old local man was arrested on an outstanding warrant for charges of possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, careless use of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, along with two other firearm-related offences and two counts of failing to comply with a release order. All of the accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing on Friday. Chief cites commitment to disrupting drug trade The tribal police chief, Ron Gignac, said the seizure reflects the service’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the community. “This seizure demonstrates the ongoing commitment of our officers to disrupt the illegal drug trade and protecting the people of Wiikwemkoong,” Gignac said. “We will continue to take action against those who put the safety and well-being of our community at risk.”
