Nearly two kilos of cocaine seized in Thunder Bay, $257K in cash

Items seized includes 1.7 kilograms of cocaine, $257,000 in cash, four cellphones, three digital scales and a laptop. ((OPP photo))

One person from southern Ontario has been charged following a major drug bust in Thunder Bay last month.

Ontario Provincial Police said they seized 1.7 kilograms of cocaine worth $170,000, $257,000 in cash, among other items. Three people from northwestern Ontario have also been charged.

The arrests took place Dec. 10 when three search warrants were executed at residences in Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls by the OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team.

Several police agencies took part in the raid, including the OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Community Street Crime Unit, Thunder Bay Police Service Emergency Task Unit and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.

“The Toronto Police Service Drug Squad also assisted with this investigation,” the OPP said in a news release Tuesday.

In addition to the cocaine and cash, police also seized four cellphones, three digital scales and a laptop.

Charged are a 30-year-old from East Gwillimbury, two people from Thunder Bay ages 62 and 43, and a 70-year-old from Kakabeka Falls.

They are each charged with drug trafficking and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

“One of the accused remains in custody and the other three accused were released,” the release said.

“They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on various dates.”

Anyone with information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.

“Street gangs are migrating across Ontario which has resulted in an increase in the number of illegal firearms entering our communities,” police said.

The special force combating firearms and the drug trade includes members from 20 police services in both Ontario and Quebec as well as the RCMP.