FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WIIKWEMKOONG – JULY 31, 2025 – A coordinated police operation early Thursday morning led to multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs and evidence consistent with drug trafficking in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.

In the early morning hours of the 31st of July, members of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS), with support from the Ontario Provincial Police Tactics and Rescue Unit, Emergency Response Team, Community Street Crime Unit, and the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, executed three search warrants across the Territory.

Officers seized a quantity of cocaine, a replica firearm and other items linked to trafficking activities. Four people from Wiikwemkoong were arrested and charged:

  • A 36-year-old man was charged with failure to comply with a recognizance and possession of a Schedule I substance.
  • A 42-year-old man was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
  • A 37-year-old woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant and held for a bail hearing.
  • A 28-year-old man was charged with failure to comply with a recognizance and also held for a bail hearing.

These arrests form part of a broader joint force operation focused on dismantling nefarious drug networks and reducing the impacts of addiction and violence across Manitoulin Island.

“WTPS is taking meaningful steps to protect our communities and uphold the safety and well-being of all residents,” said Chief Ron Gignac of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service. “When community members report suspicious activity, whether through our online reporting system or anonymously via Crime Stoppers, they are playing a vital role in removing drugs from our neighbourhoods.”

The force remains grateful to Ogimaa Ominika and the Wiikwemkoong Band Council for their continued support and leadership. Together, we are building a safer, stronger and more resilient Territory for everyone.

WTPS encourages residents to report suspicious behaviour. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at wtps.ca.

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Media Contact:

Inspector Tammy Duffy, WTPS

Email: 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.