A pair of separate drug trafficking investigations has resulted in the arrest of six people, along with the seizure of suspected cocaine and a loaded handgun.
Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit, with assistance from the Emergency Task Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, executed a warrant at a Secord Street residence on Thursday, October 24.
Four suspects were located within the residence and were arrested.
Police seized about one kilogram of suspected cocaine, a loaded handgun, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
Rosemarie LOON, 49, of Thunder Bay; Steven HUNTER, 39, of Thunder Bay; Alexander HAMILTON, 28, of Burlington; and Michael HAMILTON, 30, are charged with the following:
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Careless Storage of a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of Prohibited Firearm
HUNTER is also charged with Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to a Prohibition Order x3. Alexander HAMILTON is also charged with Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to a Prohibition Order and Breach of Probation. Michael HAMILTON is also charged with Failure to Comply with an Undertaking and Failure to Comply with a Release Order.
A separate warrant was executed by the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit, with assistance from the Emergency Task Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, at a Machar Avenue residence on Thursday.
A male suspect attempted to flee from the residence but was arrested after a brief pursuit.
Quantities of suspected cocaine, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking activity were seized.
Norbert KIPALA, 27, of Ottawa, and Carin UPTON, 44, of Thunder Bay, are charged with the following:
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000
• Failure to Comply with a Release Order
KIPALA is also charged with Resisting a Peace Officer.