In a targeted enforcement operation that underscores ongoing public safety concerns, Greater Sudbury Police have removed a significant threat from the community after seizing a loaded shotgun during a high-risk raid.
The dramatic police action unfolded on Monday when members of the Guns and Gangs Unit executed a search warrant at a residential property on St. Raphael Street. What they discovered inside prompted immediate arrests and multiple criminal charges.
Dangerous Discovery in Residential Neighbourhood
During the carefully coordinated search, investigators made several alarming finds:
- A loaded shotgun, ready for immediate use
- Additional ammunition for the firearm
- A quantity of suspected fentanyl, adding drug-related charges to the case
- Drug paraphernalia consistent with trafficking operations
The presence of a loaded weapon in a residential area represents exactly the type of threat that specialized police units work tirelessly to eliminate from Ontario communities.
Three Individuals Face Serious Charges
The police operation resulted in three people being taken into custody and now facing serious criminal allegations:
Justin St. Jean, 33 confronts the most severe charges, including careless storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a weapon, and possession of a controlled substance.
Melissa St. Jean, 36 has been charged with careless storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a weapon, highlighting the shared responsibility for the dangerous situation.
Jesse St. Jean, 30 faces charges for possession of a controlled substance and possession of weapon contrary to order, suggesting previous legal restrictions on weapon ownership.
Ongoing Commitment to Community Safety
This seizure represents another success for the Greater Sudbury Police Service's proactive approach to combating gun violence and drug-related crime. The specialized Guns and Gangs Unit continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in identifying and neutralizing threats before they can impact community safety.
All three accused parties have been released from custody with upcoming court dates, where the full weight of evidence gathered during this operation will be presented.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in keeping Canadian communities safe from the dual threats of illegal weapons and dangerous drugs.
