MOOSE FACTORY - A youth is facing trafficking charges after a weapons incident in a remote community that led to two schools being placed on lockdown.
Moosonee OPP says the weapons incident happened on Moose Factory island on Sept. 11. Two males, including one young person, were charged by OPP and the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) the next day.
During the arrest, police say a number of items were seized from one of the people.
Those items include bear spray, suspected fentanyl, suspected cocaine, suspected crystal methamphetamine and about $5,000 in cash. The estimated street value of the drugs is $45,000.
For the investigation yesterday, two schools were placed in lockdown. OPP Const. Tony Chilton said it was due to how close the schools were to where the two accused were located.
"Once they were safely taken into custody, the lockdowns were lifted," he said.
On Sept. 11, the day of the incident, Moose Cree First Nation shared a statement about an investigation involving the suspected use of firearms early that morning. At that time, the First Nation said NAPS officers had secured the scene. People with information were also asked to call police.
As a result of the investigation, Moosonee OPP has charged a young person from Toronto with:
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of prohibited ammunition
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000
- Possession of Schedule I substance for purpose of trafficking - opioids
- Possession of Schedule I substance for purpose of trafficking - methamphetamine,
- Possession of Schedule I substance for purpose of trafficking - cocaine
The adult was held in custody on charges laid by NAPS. TimminsToday has reached out to NAPS to confirm what those charges are.
The youth is in police custody after a court appearance and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on Sept. 15.
The adult was also remanded in custody and has another court date on Sept. 18.
None of the charges have been tested in court and the accused are considered innocent unless proven guilty.
