Eight people charged with 72 crimes after drugs and guns seized in Thunder Bay

Police seized two 9 mm handguns, ammunition, $25,000 in cash, 300 grams of crack, four grams of fentanyl, oxycodone, four digital scales and 10 cellphones. (OPP photo)

A joint forces operation in Thunder Bay executing three search warrants ended with the arrest of eight people who were charged with 72 offences.

The Ontario Provincial Police’s anti-gang and guns unit, working with Thunder Bay police and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, began their investigation in January, the OPP said in a news release Thursday.

The investigation into a multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking network in Thunder Bay culminated in raids on residences in the south end of the city May 30.

Police seized two 9 mm handguns, ammunition, $25,000 in cash, 300 grams of crack, four grams of fentanyl, oxycodone, four digital scales and 10 cellphones.

"This investigation is a clear demonstration of law enforcement disrupting criminals and illegal firearms from migrating into our northern communities,” OPP Det. Insp. Lee Fulford, of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, said in the news release.

“It is imperative that police services across Ontario continue to collaborate, and this investigation shows the importance of this collaboration regardless of the geographical distance.”

Many of the suspects are from southern Ontario, while others are from Thunder Bay, Quebec and Ontario. A full list of who is charged with what can be found here.

“Six of the accused were remanded into custody and two were released from custody,” the OPP said Thursday.

“They are expected to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on various dates. The investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with any information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illegal drugs or firearms should call the OPP's non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or click here.