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$50K in drugs, cash seized in Hearst

The items seized include suspected hydromorphone, methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone and dilaudid
TimminsToday Staff
2022-08-16 - OPP drugs seized
OPP seized drugs and Canadian currency during a bust in Hearst on August 11, 2022 Photo Supplied

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On Aug. 11, 2022, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), along with the North East Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and members of James Bay OPP, executed a search warrant at a residence from an on-going drug trafficking investigation, on West Street, in the Town of Hearst. 

Once inside the residence, the officers located drug trafficking paraphernalia, and seized a quantity of suspected Hydromorphone, suspected Methamphetamine, suspected Cocaine, suspected Oxycodone, suspected Dilaudid, an estimated amount of $30,000 in Canadian currency, a digital scale, packaging materials, and a debt list. The estimated street value of the seizure is approximately $50,000.

As a result of the investigation two persons were arrested and charged.

Michel Hoff, 67 years old from Hearst was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the ourpose of trafficking - Cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Methamphetamine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Opioid

(Other than Heroin), contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA (Three Counts)

  • Possession property obtained by crime over $5,000 - in Canada, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC)

The accused person was held for Bail Court and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice, at a later date.

Francine Lacroix-Hoff, 64 years old from Hearst was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Methamphetamine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
  • 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 property obtained by crime over $5,000 - in Canada, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Oct. 5, 2022, in Hearst.

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