Drug trafficking charges have been laid against residents of the Greater Toronto Area under Thunder Bay investigation

THUNDER BAY, ON – A 32-year-old Ajax resident has been charged following a drug trafficking investigation in Thunder Bay. The charges stem from a search warrant executed at a residence on Sleeping Giant Parkway on September 25, 2024 by the Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG), led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

During the search, authorities seized approximately 380 grams of suspected cocaine, more than $20,000 in Canadian currency and fraudulent identification documents.

Shaquille Evelyn, 32, of Ajaxfaces the following charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code (CC):

• Possession for the purpose of human trafficking (cocaine)
• Possession of proceeds of crime
• Possession of an ID

Evelyn was taken into custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 4, 2024.

Collaborative policing efforts

The OPP thanked the Thunder Bay Police Service, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for their contributions to the PGNG investigation. The PGNG Unit works in multiple jurisdictions to combat the growing influence of street gangs and the illegal firearms trade in Ontario, with members from twenty police forces in Ontario and Quebec.

The role of citizens in reporting suspicious activities

Thunder Bay residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report suspicious activity, especially if it involves drug trafficking or illegal firearms.

Early reporting can help law enforcement prevent the spread of dangerous narcotics and weapons into local communities. Citizens can report anonymously through Crime Stoppers or directly to the OPP to keep their neighborhood safe.

By reporting unusual activity, residents in Northern Ontario play a critical role in community safety and help protect their families, neighbors and the region as a whole.