Toronto Man with Extensive Criminal History Faces New Drug Trafficking Charges
A 55-year-old Toronto man with a criminal record spanning over a decade has been arrested and charged with cocaine trafficking following a police investigation in Thunder Bay. Costy Dessources now faces serious allegations after Ontario Provincial Police-led teams conducted an intelligence-driven operation targeting drug distribution networks in northwestern Ontario communities.
Major Drug Seizure During Traffic Stop
The Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team, working in collaboration with Nishnawbe Aski Police and Thunder Bay Police, executed a traffic stop on January 22, 2026, near Dawson Road in Thunder Bay. During this operation, officers allegedly seized approximately 450 grams of suspected cocaine, two cellphones, packaging materials, and a digital scale from the vehicle.
Dessources has been formally charged with possession of proceeds of crime and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine. Following his arrest, he remained in custody awaiting a bail hearing scheduled for February 17, 2026.
Pattern of Previous Drug-Related Offences
This recent arrest represents at least the third time Dessources has faced drug-related charges according to police records. His criminal history includes:
- November 2020: Pulled over for a Highway Traffic Act violation in Lyon Township, Dessources was allegedly found with oxycodone pills and had an outstanding arrest warrant at the time. He faced charges for possession of a schedule one substance for trafficking purposes.
- May 2014: Thunder Bay Police arrested Dessources after he allegedly attempted to flee from officers conducting an investigation in the Intercity area. Police claimed to have seized $25,000 worth of crack cocaine during this incident, resulting in charges of trafficking cocaine and resisting arrest.
The outcomes of these previous charges remain unclear according to available information.
Coordinated Law Enforcement Response
The investigation that led to Dessources' latest arrest involved multiple specialized units including the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, OPP Community Street Crime Unit, and Thunder Bay OPP detachment. Police initiated the intelligence-led probe in January 2026 to combat drug trafficking activities in Thunder Bay and surrounding communities.
Authorities continue to encourage public assistance in combating illegal drug operations. Anyone with information about illicit firearms or drug manufacturing and trafficking is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
This case highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to disrupt drug distribution networks across Ontario, particularly those involving individuals with established patterns of criminal behavior. The substantial quantity of suspected cocaine seized suggests potential connections to larger trafficking operations that authorities continue to investigate.
