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West Nipissing residents charged in connection to OPP drug bust

The value of the drugs seized is believed to be approximately $46,300
BayToday Staff
20210727 drugs west nipissing
Photo supplied by OPP.

The OPP made another big drug bust, this time in the community of West Nipissing.  

Members from the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and the Community Street Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), executed Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant at a residence on Demers Street, in Sturgeon Falls on July 26. 

Police say a search led to the seizure of drug paraphernalia, Canadian currency, a safe, cellular devices, and drugs the OPP suspected to be fentanyl, percocet pills, crystal meth, methamphetamine tablets, and cocaine.

The value of the drugs seized is believed to be approximately $46,300. 

As a result of the investigation:

Jesse Shawn Lafontaine, 35-years-of-age from West Nipissing was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin), contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drug and Substance Act (CDSA) (two counts)
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Methamphetamine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA (two counts)
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000, contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code

The accused is being held in custody pending bail and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on July 27, 2021, in North Bay.

Maranda Swain 25-years-of-age from West Nipissing was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin), contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA (two counts)
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Methamphetamine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA (two counts)
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA

The accused is being held in custody pending bail and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on July 27, 2021, in North Bay.