Police in Thunder Bay, Ontario, have laid a series of charges and seized suspected drugs and two firearms following two separate investigations in late May and early June.
On May 29, officers with the Primary Response Unit were called to a reported assault in the Red River Road area just after 1:00 PM. With help from the Emergency Task Unit, they found a person with injuries consistent with a stabbing. That person was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police quickly identified and arrested a suspect nearby. More victims were later identified as the investigation continued. Stephane ST-CYR, 54, of Quebec, faces charges of aggravated assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
On June 3, the Thunder Bay Police Service Emergency Task Unit and Intelligence Unit searched two homes on Finlayson Street as part of a drug trafficking investigation. Inside, officers seized suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and two guns. The drugs have an estimated street value of $19,755. Three people are now facing a combined 22 charges. David CAKE, 47, of Thunder Bay, is charged with six counts of possessing a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order, two counts of drug trafficking, possessing proceeds of crime over $5,000, and several unauthorized firearm possession and careless storage charges. He has been remanded in custody. Douglas SHAFRANSKI, 47, of Thunder Bay, and Saceriya MOHAMED, 31, of Toronto, are both charged with possessing proceeds of crime under $5,000 and two counts of drug trafficking. They were released from custody with a future court date.
These arrests come amid a broader push by police to tackle drug trafficking and organized crime in the city. The Intelligence Unit has flagged a trend of people coming from outside Thunder Bay simply to commit crimes that target vulnerable residents. Residents can report suspicious activity at any time through the police website, or by calling the non-emergency line at 807-684-1200.
