FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WIIKWEMKOONG – JULY 31, 2025 – A R.I.D.E. check by the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service led to the seizure of illicit narcotics and Canadian currency, and the arrest of a 31-year-old man already facing drug trafficking charges.

Police stopped a vehicle at about 2:51 p.m. on July 30 during an interdiction enforcement initiative. A search led officers to seize suspected cocaine and cash. The driver, a Wiikwemkoong resident, was arrested without incident.

He is charged with possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA 4(1)), and with driving under suspension under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA 53). The accused is scheduled to appear in court on September 16, 2025.

“This interdiction operation highlights the strength and unity of our community in taking a stand against drug trafficking,” said Chief Ron Gignac of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service. “Our drug enforcement strategy is guided by the voices and concerns of our people. It is built on trust and shared responsibility. We are not just removing harmful substances, we are protecting families, restoring dignity and building a safer, healthier future together.”

The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service says it remains committed to reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs through its joint force partnership with the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police. The collaboration focuses on sharing intelligence, applying specialized enforcement and involving the community in solutions that disrupt drug trafficking and prevent addiction-related harm.

The service also thanked Ogimaa Ominika and the Wiikwemkoong Band Council for its ongoing support, calling its leadership essential to keeping the community safe.

Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at wtps.ca.

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Contact:

Inspector Tammy Duffy, WTPS

E mail: tammy.duffy@wtps.ca

Note: In order for police to release the name of an individual accused of an offence, the charge must be sworn/laid before the court.  A document, called an information, must be filed within the court to formally charge an individual.  The name of the individual becomes public information, visible to all on the Provincial Court docket. Police are then permitted to release the name.  If a person is released by police with a future court date, generally, charges are not laid at that time. In this case, charges are considered pending and the name of the individual is not public information. Police are not permitted to name the individual.