(THUNDER BAY, ON) - Two individuals are facing Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) charges following a drug trafficking investigation in Thunder Bay and on Fort William First Nation.
In June 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG), OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and the Anishinabek Police Service initiated an intelligence-led investigation into alleged drug trafficking activity and prohibited firearms possession. With assistance from the OPP Canine Unit, the OPP Emergency Response Team and the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, a search warrant was executed on Fort William First Nation on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Investigators seized the following items with approximate quantities:
- 45 g of suspected cocaine
- 110 g of suspected crack cocaine
- 650 g of a cutting agent
- Six imitation firearms
- One prohibited weapon (nunchaku)
- Ammunition
- Four cell phones
- $1,500 in Canadian currency
- Digital scales
- 2010 Ford Escape as offence-related property
Ashley COLLINS, age 40 of Fort William First Nation, was arrested and charged with the following 15 offences contrary to the CC and CDSA:
- Failure to comply with release order
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Operation while prohibited
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order - seven counts
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition - two counts
- Unauthorized possession of a weapon
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Cory QUAST, age 25 of Thunder Bay, was arrested and charged with the following two CC and CDSA offences:
- Failure to comply with release order
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.