(THUNDER BAY, ON) - Four individuals are facing several firearms and drug-related charges following a drug trafficking investigation in Thunder Bay.
In April of 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) began an investigation into a drug trafficking network allegedly supplying methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl to the Thunder Bay area and surrounding communities.
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, and Friday, July 18, 2025, search warrants were executed at two residences in Thunder Bay, as well as on a vehicle and mobile trailer in Kakabeka Falls.
As a result of the investigation, officers seized the following items with approximate quantities:
- Loaded handgun
- 15 g of suspected fentanyl
- 150 g of suspected cocaine
- 84 g of suspected methamphetamine
- 14 oxycodone tablets
- Fake identification
- A significant quantity of Canadian currency
- Cell phones
- Digital scales and packaging materials
- 2005 Honda street bike
The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $27,000.
Christopher GETZINGER, age 43 of Red Rock, has been charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) offences:
- Fail to comply with probation order
- Operation of motor vehicle while prohibited
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possesses an identity document without lawful excuse
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of a controlled substance
Lynda NELSON-LYNCH, age 39 of Nipigon, has been charged with the following CC and CDSA offences:
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm
- Failure to comply with release order
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - two counts
Wayne SCHWANDT, age 57 and Morgan OVELSON, age 29, both of Thunder Bay have each been charged with the following CC and CDSA offences:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking
Two of the accused were remanded into custody and two were released. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.