THUNDER BAY - The largest ever single seizure of crystal methamphetamines in Thunder Bay is raising significant concerns for police and, while the investigation is still in the early stages, one possible theory is that the drugs were destined for other communities throughout Northwestern Ontario.
“There are a couple theories and explanations, all of which are under investigation,” said Det. Insp. Jeremy Pearson, with the investigative service branch of the Thunder Bay Police Service.
“With the absence of significant seizures of crystal meth in the past and some of the issues plaguing outlying communities with crystal meth, there is the possibility that this substance was destined elsewhere.”
On Thursday, July 21, officers with the Intelligence Branch and Break and Enter and Robbery Unit with the Thunder Bay Police Service executed a warrant on a residence in the 700 block of Pacific Avenue.
Following a search of the residence, police seized approximately 5.2 kilograms of crystal methamphetamines with an estimated street value of nearly $555,000. Smaller quantities of suspected crack cocaine, cocaine, and fentanyl, along with cash and paraphilia consistent with drug trafficking were also seized.
As a result of the seizure, three Thunder Bay residents have been charged, including 43-year-old Chad Allen Jones, 55-year-old Florena May Pittel, and 41-year-old Craig Joseph Novak.
The investigation was first launched in November 2021 and Pearson said an operation of this size is very complex and requires creative techniques along with significant time and resources.
“We have conducted a number of high-profile investigations and seizures in the interim, so there are a number of investigations ongoing at the same time and in order to have the best possible result, an investigation cannot be rushed,” he said. “It must be properly and thoroughly investigated and then executed when the evidence is going to provide the best possible result.”
Pearson said the city has only seen small quantities of the drug in the past.
“I will say Thunder Bay has been fortunate in my experience in that we have seen very little in the way of crystal meth, and in fact it is only in recent years that we have seen it with any regularity and even then, it was sporadically,” he said. “I believe the largest seizures prior to this would not have been over 100 grams, so to go from that to 5,000 grams is very significant indeed.”
To have such a large seizure raises many concerns for police, Pearson said, given the community is already dealing with the opioid crisis that has resulted in increased criminal activity, overdoses, and deaths.
“The potential introduction of another dangerous substance to the community is a concern. I will not downplay that,” he said. “I think the community is already concerned about the influx of illicit drugs and their effect on their community and this is another head to that same monster.”
But Pearson added that such a large seizure not only disrupts the illicit drug trade in the region, it also saves vulnerable people in the community who are already being exploited.
“We are looking at health problems, social problems, potential death and overdose here on this table and it’s no longer here in our community,” he said. “So that is significant.”
According to Pearson, the crystal methamphetamines were not sourced in Thunder Bay and the origin of the drugs is part of an ongoing investigation.
As for why such a large quantity of crystal methamphetamines was in the city, investigators are working with a number of theories, including an attempt to generate a new market in the city of Thunder Bay.
But Pearson added that more than five kilograms of drugs is part of high-level trafficking and the city could be a hub or secondary supplier for distribution elsewhere in the region, which has seen an influx of crystal methamphetamine in recent years.
“This is purely speculation, the eventual destination or end-consumer of these drugs is still part of our investigation,” he said. “There are a number of potential theories being explored. But five kilograms of any substance in one location is not indicative of personal use or of a location that is actively distributing those drugs at the street level.”
