Four arrested on drug trafficking charges following traffic stop

Police arrested four suspects after conducting a traffic stop involving a suspected impaired driver on the city’s northside Monday night.

A Thunder Bay Police Service officer with the Primary Response Branch was in the area of Cumberland Street South and Pearl Street on general patrol just after 9:50 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9 when they observed a vehicle being driven erratically.

The motorist was observed turning left onto Red River Road and nearly striking a parked vehicle. As a result the officer initiated a traffic stop.

After speaking with the female driver, the officers observed several signs of impairment.

Further investigation led to the seizure of a quantity of crack cocaine, fentanyl, amphetamines, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The driver, and three occupants, were taken into custody and transported to the TBPS headquarters at 1200 Balmoral Street.

Biaggio Ben BONAZZA, 64, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Methylphenidate for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
• Failure to Comply with Probation Order

Casie Ann Eugina MATHEWSON, 27, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Methylphenidate for the Purpose of Trafficking

Katrina C MITAS, 30, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Methylphenidate for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited

Kelly Jean THOMAS, 37, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Methylphenidate for the Purpose of Trafficking

All four appeared in bail court in Thunder Bay on Tuesday, Oct. 10. THOMAS was released with conditions and a future appearance date. The other accused were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.