Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have made a significant seizure on Fort William First Nation, confiscating a loaded automatic firearm and drugs with an estimated street value of $106,000. The operation, which took place on December 29, 2025, marks a major intervention in local illicit drug trafficking.
Details of the Seizure
During the execution of a search warrant, officers discovered a cache of illegal items. The drug haul is believed to consist of 250 grams of cocaine, 195 grams of fentanyl, and 115 oxycodone tablets. In addition to the narcotics, police seized a loaded automatic firearm, which presents a serious public safety concern.
The OPP also confiscated $6,450 in Canadian currency and several cellphones. Police often consider such items as evidence potentially linked to the distribution and sale of controlled substances. The combined street value of the seized drugs and cash underscores the scale of the alleged operation.
Context and Community Impact
This bust occurred within the community of Fort William First Nation, located near Thunder Bay in Northwestern Ontario. Drug enforcement operations in First Nations communities are handled with particular sensitivity, often involving collaboration with local leadership.
The seizure of fentanyl, a powerful and often deadly synthetic opioid, is especially critical. The ongoing opioid crisis has devastated communities across Canada, and law enforcement agencies prioritize intercepting its supply chain. The presence of a loaded weapon further escalates the dangers associated with such drug operations.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
As of the publication date, the OPP have not released details regarding any arrests directly connected to this specific seizure. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Forensic analysis of the seized items, including the cellphones, is likely a key component of the next phase.
Such operations are part of broader provincial and national strategies to combat the trafficking of illegal firearms and dangerous drugs. The OPP's Community Street Crime Units often lead these efforts, focusing on intelligence-led policing to target mid-level drug distribution networks.
The successful seizure removes a significant quantity of harmful substances from circulation and eliminates a dangerous weapon from the community. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking or illegal firearms to their local police service or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
