Warrant executed in M’Chigeeng leads to firearm seizure: UCCM police

UCCM Police on Manitoulin Island seized a firearm Thursday from someone they said posed a significant threat to community safety.

The United Chiefs & Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Anishnaabe Police Service seized a firearm allegedly used in criminal offences during a search warrant execution at a M’Chigeeng First Nation residence on Wednesday.

Police said the firearm was in the possession of an individual whose actions posed “a significant threat to our people and our community.”

The investigation remains ongoing, but authorities confirmed there is “no immediate or known threat to public safety.”

“More details will be provided once information has been sworn by the Ontario Court of Justice,” the police service said in a news release.

UCCM Police Chief James Killeen commended officers involved, including frontline members, and the crime and canine units, stating their efforts “are helping to keep our communities safe.”

A joint effort

UCCM, Ontario Provincial Police and Wikwemikong Tribal Police operate a combined Integrated Street Crime Unit targeting organized crime on Manitoulin Island, focuses on seizing illegal drugs, firearms, and proceeds of crime.

Authorities urged community collaboration to combat drug trafficking and related violence, emphasizing its ties to “home invasions, serious assaults, and homicides,” as well as addiction and homelessness.

Anyone with information about any criminal activity in the region is asked to contact UCCM Police at 705-377-7135 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

“Together we can make a difference,” police said.