Ottawa Gang Members Arrested in Province-Wide Drug Bust

Source: CTV News (Author: Catherine Lathem), May 24, 2016

http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/mobile/ottawa-gang-members-arrested-in-province-wide-drug-bust-1.2915221

A major drug investigation in northeastern Ontario has resulted in 300 charges and 55 arrests, including nine in the Ottawa area.

“Our investigation led us to believe that the drugs coming from Ottawa were headed for northern communities,” says OPP Superintendent Chris Nicholas, “it’s a huge win for police today and the community to catch these drug dealers.”

Ontario Provincial Police worked with Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) to identify and dismantle drug distribution networks trafficking prescription medications and illicit drugs to communities in northeastern Ontario. Police say the lengthy six-month investigation focused on the Timmins and Chapleau area and James Bay coastal communities [including Moosonee and Moose Factory], noting these drugs typically sell at four times the street price compared to urban centres, like Ottawa, providing considerable profit incentive for criminals to exploit vulnerable residents in Aboriginal communities. Drugs seized in the investigation are worth $833,000 in Ottawa, but have a street value of $2,100,000 in northern Ontario.

“There is a relationship between mental health, addictions and drug use, so I think you can connect the dots on that,” says NAPS Chief Terry Armstrong from the news conference in Timmins, Ontario.

OPP made arrests at homes on Treaty Court and Pineglade Crescent in Ottawa on Thursday May 19, 2016.  In all nine people from Ottawa and Renfrew were arrested.  Police say two of the men arrested, Abel Solano-Santana, 37, and Adnan “Ace” Fazeli, 31, are well-known Ottawa gang members, with long criminal records.

Also arrested:

• Michael Chenier, 31 of Orleans
• Patrick Gallant, 26, of Ottawa
• Christopher Hewitt, 30 of Ottawa
• Holli Kasaboski , 29, of Renfrew
• Michelle Mousseau , 23, of Ottawa

Two young offenders were also arrested.

During the investigation, dubbed “Project COAST”, 21 search warrants were executed, police seized:

• 57,792 methamphetamine tablets,
• 7,229 oxycodone pills,
• 706 grams of cocaine,
• 476.6 grams of marihuana, and
• 154.25 fentanyl patches.

Police also seized more than 252-thousand dollars in Canadian currency, one shotgun and a bulletproof vest.

“Ottawa is where we’re making substantial seizures of fentanyl, the drug is having deadly affects in the country,” says Nicholas.

More than 300 people have died from Fentanyl overdoses since January in Canada. The ingredients to make the drug can be bought legally, through the mail, from China, making it easy for suppliers to manufacture, in sometimes deadly doses.   Former Ottawa Police Chief, now Senator Vern White, has tabled Bill S-225, expected to pass in June, to make it illegal to buy those ingredients from China, and other countries, online.

“It is a continuous battle, but I think we have to continue to fight and try and eliminate the ability for organized crime to be selling fentanyl and other drugs on our streets,” says White.

Dozens Arrested in Drug Network Blamed for Fuelling Crisis in First Nations Communities

Source: National Post (Author: Douglas Quan), May 25, 2016

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/dozens-arrested-in-drug-network-blamed-for-fuelling-crisis-in-first-nations-communities 

Police have arrested 55 individuals and laid more than 300 charges following a joint investigation aimed at disrupting drug distribution networks in northeastern Ontario.

Drugs have been blamed for fuelling a suicide and overdose crisis in Attawapiskat and other remote First Nations communities along the James Bay coast.

Terry Armstrong, chief of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, said Wednesday a joint investigation with the Ontario Provincial Police that began last November determined a lot of prescription medications and illicit drugs were being delivered from Ottawa to Timmins and then into those coastal communities.

Drugs up north are often sold at four times the amount they’re sold in urban centres in the south, making it very lucrative, Armstrong said.

“They’re relying on the North for huge profit margins,” he said.

At the end of a six-month probe, police said they seized roughly 58,000 methamphetamine tablets, 7,200 oxycodone pills, 700 grams of cocaine, 480 grams of marijuana and 150 fentanyl patches. They also took in more than $250,000 in cash, as well as a shotgun and bulletproof vest. 

Most of the arrests occurred in Ottawa, Timmins, Moosonee, Moose Factory and Chapleau. Most charges laid related to trafficking and possession of controlled substances and possession of property obtained by crime.

“When you talk suicide, mental health issues, drug addiction, it’s all linked,” Armstrong said.

At a news conference this week announcing the charges, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation  Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler told reporters the misuse and abuse of drugs was “destroying lives … destroying our families … destroying our communities.”

“The price that our kids are paying is too great — some are paying with their lives,” he said.

Armstrong has repeatedly called for more federal and provincial funding to go after drug dealers. He has only one drug constable across his entire force, which consists of 132 officers.

“We won a major battle. But there will be many more battles,” he said.

55 People Charged in Massive Northern Drug Bust - Project COAST

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
Those charged include people from Timmins, Ottawa, Chapleau, Moosonee, Moose Factory and Sudbury

*************************

Source: https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/55-people-charged-in-massive-northern-drug-bust-302642

South Porcupine joint investigation halts illegal drug operation

Illegal drugs and prescription meds intercepted

TIMMINS – A multi-jurisdiction drug investigation in northeastern Ontario has resulted in dozens of arrests and more than 300 charges.

In November 2015, the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) began a joint investigation to identify and dismantle drug distribution networks trafficking prescription medications and illicit drugs to communities in northeastern Ontario.

The lengthy investigation focussed on the Timmins and Chapleau area and James Bay coastal communities, noting these drugs typically sell at four times the street price compared to urban centres, providing considerable profit incentive for criminals to exploit vulnerable residents in Aboriginal communities.

At a news conference in Timmins today, NAPS Chief Terry Armstrong, OPP Deputy Commissioner Rick Barnum, Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier and Anishinabek Police Service Deputy Chief Dave Whitlow unveiled details of the investigation and displayed samples of the evidence seized during the six-month probe.

They were joined by Nishnawbe-Aski Nation leaders who provided insight into the challenges and devastating impacts illegal drugs and misuse of prescription medications have had on their citizens.

During Project COAST, 21 search warrants were executed earlier this month at locations in northern and eastern Ontario. Police seized:

• 57,792 methamphetamine tablets,
• 7,229 oxycodone pills,
• 706 grams of cocaine,
• 476.6 grams of marijuana
• 154.25 fentanyl patches

Police also seized more than 252-thousand dollars in Canadian currency, one shotgun and a bulletproof vest. As a result, 55 people have been charged with 341 offences under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code of Canada. (See ADDENDUM OF CHARGED PERSONS.)

Several of the accused persons will appear at Ontario Courts of Justice at various times, dates and locations. The investigation continues.

QUOTES

“The trafficking of illegal and prescription drugs brings an element of society into our communities that engage in further criminal behaviours to protect their enterprises. By working collaboratively with our police partners and mobilizing community leaders, the individuals who target our people have been arrested and charged as we tackle several challenging issues.” – Chief Terry ARMSTRONG, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service.

“Project COAST demonstrates that the OPP will do whatever it takes to support our police and Aboriginal community partners to support the wellness of our most vulnerable communities and prevent further harm and victimization.” – Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince)HAWKES, Ontario Provincial Police.

The Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) has a mandate to work with its partners to facilitate the disruption and suppression of criminal enterprises, which affects the citizens of Ontario. OCEB provides members and operational support to investigations on a provincial, national, and international level, working in cooperation with law enforcement agencies from around the world.

UNODC - Facts for Policy Makers (Drug Use Vulnerabilities)

Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Link: https://www.unodc.org/listenfirst/en/policy-makers/policy-makers-en.html
Important information for community awareness building and policy decision-making.

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words...

Source: Anonymous
Photo taken outside Quick Stop on Moose Factory Island. Other posters have been put up recently by elementary school students.

Drugs are fuelling the crisis in Attawapiskat and police cannot do much about it

(Moosonee and Moose Factory implicated in this story as transit communities)

Source: National Post

Douglas Quan | April 22, 2016

Each winter in northern Ontario, a 300-kilometre ice road that connects Attawapiskat to the rest of the world becomes a pipeline for drug smugglers and bootleggers who conceal contraband in engine compartments, diaper bags, even in children’s ski-doo pants.

The only other way into the town — in the headlines recently for a massive suicide and overdose crisis — is by plane. Drug couriers have flown in to the local airport with narcotics stuffed in their pockets, shoes and carry-on bags, police say. Pills are also sent into northern communities by mail, sometimes hidden in children’s toys or sewn into the seams of baby blankets.

“We’re working hard to try to intercept, but some of it is going to get through; you won’t get it all,” acknowledges Terry Armstrong, chief of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, the largest First Nations law enforcement agency in Canada with 35 detachments across northern Ontario, including one in Attawapiskat.

Police know of 12 drug dealers in Attawapiskat, individuals who arrange drug shipments by plane, car or mail, and then distribute them. Payments are typically made through bank transfers, though it is not unheard of for suppliers to travel up north to settle debts.

But drug dealers are not the only source. It is not uncommon for local residents, in the interest of turning a quick profit, to sell their prescription pills and “live with the pain,” Armstrong says.

In fact, the most common substances police encounter are pain relievers, such as OxyContin and Percocet, as well as amphetamines and marijuana. Occasionally, police will run into cocaine, and recently, they’ve seen fentanyl creep in.

Drug prices up north can be as much as five times higher than prices in the south; police declined to say what the going rates are now, but said a single OxyContin pill has fetched $400 in the past. It raises the question of how residents can afford it. 

Nishnawbe-Aski police Insp. Eric Cheechoo says some residents will put some of their government assistance money toward drugs. Others will steal items from homes, re-sell them, and then use the money for drugs.

Adds Armstrong: “Presumptively, kids (are) going without boots, houses (are) going without a fridge full of food.” Police suspect the youth involved in the recent rash of suicide attempts likely did not buy their drugs but simply stole them or found them lying unsecured in the home. Cheechoo says the number of attempted suicides — including 11 in a 24-hour time span earlier this month — caught officers off-guard.

“We weren’t prepared to have so many attempted suicides, so many youth thinking about suicide all in one weekend,” he says. “You’ve read about all the different problems, the lack of recreation, lack of something to do. It was sad to see the desperation in the children.”

The crisis has brought promises from provincial and federal officials of more mental health support. Police say they, too, are desperate for extra support to deal with the illicit drug trade. Cheechoo says he lacks the investigative resources to go after the dealers. “We know where they live. But gathering evidence to bang on the door, there are so many roadblocks,” he says.

Investigators typically have to apply for a warrant over the phone and send supporting documents to a justice of the peace via fax, which slows things down. A spokesman for Ontario’s attorney general said justices of the peace are available 24/7 to consider warrant applications over the phone and that the process can sometimes be more efficient than doing it in person.

Conducting covert surveillance on an individual is also fraught with challenges since everyone knows everyone in the community, Cheechoo says. “Our officers are all reactive, there’s very little time, most of the time, (to be) pro-active.” Armstrong says he has 132 officers spread across northern Ontario but could use 52 more to shore up the frontlines and to create specialized investigative units. Currently, he has only one drug sergeant and one drug constable on the entire force.

“We’re underfunded, under-resourced,” he says. “Something’s got to give… We’re so behind right now.” A spokesman for Public Safety Canada, which provides 52 per cent of the police service’s $24 million annual funding, says the current agreement is effective until 2018. As the renewal date approaches, consideration will be given to updating First Nations policing policy and learning from past experiences.

Ontario’s ministry of community safety, which provides the remaining 48 per cent of the funding, supplements that funding with various grants, a spokeswoman said. And the Ontario Provincial Police provides support with its specialized resources.

In the meantime, the Nishnawbe-Aski police say they’re doing what they can to curb the drug trade. During the winter months, they perform vehicle stops along the ice road looking for contraband.

Recently they brought a sniffer dog to a postal outlet in Dryden, Ont., to try to intercept contraband-laden packages destined for northern fly-in communities.

Among the items officers seized: gabapentin pills used to treat neuropathic pain and seizures; “shatter,” a derivative of marijuana that resembles peanut brittle; marijuana cupcakes and suckers; and alcohol. “We do the best the can with what we have,” Armstrong says. “We could do a lot more.”

Link to National Post article: http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/how-drugs-are-fuelling-the-crisis-in-attawapiskat

Weeneebayko Area Health Authority increasing opioid treatment in Moose Factory

(Source: Timmins Daily Press - December 6, 2015)

The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) is currently investigating the potential implementation of the first pilot suboxone program in Moose Factory beginning this winter.

Suboxone, a drug containing both buprenorphine and naloxone, is used to treat addiction to opioids such as heroin, morphine, and prescription pain relievers. It acts as a pain control medication while also helping to relieve the physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

“There are many studies demonstrating the benefits of Suboxone in treating opioid dependence, it is associated with reduced illicit opioid use and increased treatment retention,” said Deborah Hill, the vice-president of Patient Care and Nursing Executive at WAHA. “Suboxone can be used in the short term to help patients 'detox' from opioids. It is more commonly used as a maintenance therapy in the long-term to reduce cravings and illicit opioid use over months to years.”

While there are several patients who are currently being prescribed the drug, no formal program is in place in the region at this time.

Hill said that providing Suboxone treatment in a formalized program will provide more “effective and efficient patient care” by providing “daily medication dispensing, timely follow-up, comprehensive care, and an efficient pathway for referrals to local counselors and traditional healers.”

The WAHA will work in partnership with the Moose Cree First Nation and other community partners in the James Bay Coast region to determine the need, feasibility and required resources to launch a pilot suboxone program in the region.

“There are many details to work out including space, staffing, and new equipment, and our hospital is investigating our capacity to provide specialized training for staff and dedicated clinic time for physician-supervised suboxone starts and follow-ups,” Hill explained.

The decision to embark on this project comes after a resolution was passed by the Mushkegowuk Council last month amid growing concerns of the damaging effects that opioid drug addictions have on members of the First Nations communities along the James Bay Coast.

Results provided in the 2015 People's Inquiry on Suicide and calls to action chronicled in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission suggest that prescription and opiate drug abuse can potentially be linked to the rash of suicides experienced in northern First Nations communities.

Drug abuse has the strongest link to youth suicide rates; the Inquest found, as many of the communities' youth population would engage in the “use of alcohol and drugs to escape pain and unhappiness.”

According to Nishnawbe Aski Nation statistics, more than 400 people have taken their own lives within its 49 communities over the past quarter century. Over a three year period from 2009 to 2011, it is estimated that approximately 600 youth and other community members experienced suicide ideation and in 2009, there were more than a dozen suicides committed from within from the James Bay Coast.

Building on the results of these two reports, The Mushkegowuk Council is in support of investigating the feasibility of a Suboxone clinic to improve the health and overall well-being of those in their communities.

The goal will be to provide more effective rehabilitation efforts in Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany, Moose Cree, Taykwa Tagamou, Chapleau Cree and Missanabie Cree First Nations.

“The program will be considered successful if we can demonstrate that a sustainable volume of clients have achieved positive outcomes including reduced opioid use, improved function and stability, and/or improved health measures,“ Hill said. “We will be consulting the Moose Cree First Nation throughout the process to ensure the program is also meeting community needs.”

Special Committee on Non-Medical Use of Drugs

(Source: Parliament of Canada - 37th Parliament, 1st Session)

EVIDENCE

CONTENTS

Monday, April 22, 2002

Detective Superintendent Jim Hutchinson (Ontario Provincial Police): I'll start with your first question in regard to decriminalization, the police message and the message to young people in regard to decriminalization. I think to a certain extent there are mixed messages out there already on decriminalization and legalization. There's been enough in the papers that the young people are reading and listening to, and certainly that comes back to us all the time. The image out there is that marijuana is a soft drug, a harmless drug, and certainly anything to do with criminalization would only pass on that message. Decriminalization or legalization is not going to change the trafficking of cannabis.

    Currently, all organized crime get their main revenue from drug trafficking, and marijuana and the organized grows are one of the main areas. Decriminalization or legalization is not going to change this. As we've seen in the tobacco and liquor industries, they'll just move on to something else, and they'll be involved in the trade.

    Certainly, we're trying to get the point across to young people that marijuana is not a good drug. We look upon it as being a drug. And whether you want to call it a gateway drug or not, it does lead to other drug use. Surveys have shown that people who are involved in the use of cocaine--children--are many times more liable to use cocaine and other drugs if they have used marijuana. I'll equate that to alcohol. If you're sitting around with a group of guys drinking beer and somebody has a bottle of tequila, it's pretty easy to take a shot of tequila. And I guess if you're sitting around smoking pot and somebody has Ecstasy, it's very easy to make that next move.

    As far as harm reduction and safe injection sites are concerned, I understand we're just getting started with some trials on those. We police rural Ontario, and I'll say right now it's my belief that rural Ontario is not ready for safe injection sites. We have supported and been involved in the needle exchange program in various communities in Ontario. Those programs have been very successful, and we certainly have those types of drugs in Ontario. We have crack cocaine in Kenora; we have cocaine in Moose Factory; and there are injections around the province. Needle exchange programs are various and across the province.

    There are issues around safe injection sites. I know this committee is going to Europe and will have a chance to look at sites that have been in place for several years. I suggest to you, please, take the police perspective in those areas, because they've been dealing with that enforcement. We have to deal with where the drugs come from, the types of drugs, whether there are going to be more traffickers around these safe injection sites, the quality, the civil liability. At the same time, we do agree that anything that will cut down on the spreading of HIV or other disease is something we have to look at in terms of harm reduction. Other than that, we are looking at drug reduction. That's what our main job is in enforcement, and it's a multi-tasked agency force to do that.

Man Jailed for Sending Drugs to Dealer in Moosonee

(Source: The Daily Press - Timmins)

August 21, 2015

TIMMINS - A Timmins man who sent a package of highly addictive painkillers to be sold on the streets of Moosonee has been sentenced to more than six months in jail.

Police used footage from a video surveillance camera in the ONR bus station in Timmins to positively identify the man who sent the package — Ed Nakogee, 41.

On Thursday, Nakogee pleaded guilty in Timmins provincial court to possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, in addition to an unrelated offense of failing to attend court.

Pierre Lambert-Bélanger, a Timmins lawyer who serves as a federal prosecutor for drug cases in Timmins, said the drugs were destined for a “remote, vulnerable community” where “addiction issues are rampant.”

Lambert-Bélanger said that was an aggravating factor fuelled by the fact many residents in these Northern communities are “spending a significant amount of their income” to “feed their addiction.”

Percocet tablets typically sell on the street for about $20 apiece.

The court heard Nakogee attended the bus station on March 5, 2014 and turned a package over to the teller, providing instructions that it to be delivered to Moosonee where somebody would be there to pick it up.

Lambert-Bélanger said the teller’s suspicions were triggered by the fact the package emitted a strong odour of cannabis.

Police were subsequently contacted.

It turned out there was no marijuana in the package. Instead, Lambert-Bélanger said it contained 130 Percocet tablets, with a street value of $2,600.

Lambert-Bélanger said police allowed the package to be delivered and then made arrangements with the Ontario Provincial Police in Moosonee to arrest the recipient on the other end.

Graham Jenner, the defence lawyer who represented Nakogee, explained his client was “not the brains of the operation” but merely served as a mule to drop off the package.

Jenner suggested Nakogee “was taken advantage of” as he received a mere $40 for his troubles.

Nakogee, who has a history of drug problems, had a relapse and required the money to feed his addiction, Jenner explained.

The prosecutors recommended Nakogee receive a total of 10 months in jail for the two offenses he was convicted on, while the defence suggested five months was appropriate.

Judge Michelle Rocheleau settled on six-and-a-half months but gave Nakogee 41 days credit for time he had already served in custody awaiting his court appearance on Thursday.

NAPS February 2016 Statistics (Drug Related)

James Bay Winter Road Bringing Drugs,Aalcohol into First Nations: Grand Chief

Source (CBC News): http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/james-bay-winter-road-1.3433647

Bootlegging has become a concern for a First Nations grand chief near James Bay after police recently discovered a vehicle packed with beer and liquor travelling through a new ice road.

The First Nations of Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Moosonee have become accessible by car during the winter thanks to the opening of the 300-kilometre ice road, which is only open for a short time.

Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon represents the First Nations along the route and told CBC News controlling the flow of drugs and alcohol along the route is difficult.
"It's a known thing because you know anybody can come to Moosonee during the day. They have more access. That's the unfortunate part of having a winter road. The alcohol ratio goes up," Soloman said.

Last week, Nishnawbe-Aski police discovered a vehicle packed with beer and liquor on the winter ice road.

"The only people that really get the good out of this issue are the bootleggers. They are the ones that pocket the money," Soloman said. "To me, they don't really care about anybody. All they care about is the money that's handed over to them. They don't know what they're causing. Family break ups, assaults, homes being broken into."

While it is now easier to move people and supplies in the area, the road is also challenging to monitor.

Soloman noted the alleged criminals often wait until the early morning hours to make the trek because there's less traffic on the road. Police are conducting random spot checks along the route.

Statistics for Drug-related Offences from Nov-Dec 2015 (NAPS in Moose Factory)

Moose Cree/NAPS Aim to Stem Tide of Illegal Drugs

Source: The Daily Pres, Wednesday, January 13, 2016 

MOOSE FACTORY - An effort is being made to cut off the flow of illegal drugs making its way into Moose Cree First Nation. The First Nation announced Wednesday it will be spending hundreds of thousands of dollars of its own money to pay for two additional police officers and their equipment to begin working in the island community for the next year to crack down on drug trafficking.

The additional officers will be sent to Moose Factory from the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) but according to the force they will be regular-duty officers, not drug enforcement officers. Nonetheless, the First Nation and NAPS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which underscores “their joint commitment to fight drug trafficking, and to work together to ensure a safe and healthy community.”

“Today is a significant day for our community,” said Moose Cree Chief Norm Hardisty Jr. said in a statement. “Our people have been clear that they want steps taken to reduce drug abuse and the trafficking of drugs in our community. We recognize that drug use is destructive. It is hurting our children, families and community and we are committed to working with the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service to prevent and reduce it to the greatest extent possible.”

Community members stated during a recent series of town hall meetings dealing with local social problems that the prevalent abuse of drugs such as cocaine within their community was one of their top concerns. It was at that point, the chief and council decided they may need more manpower to bring the drug situation under control.

Moose Cree Deputy-Chief Earl Cheechoo said drug abuse and addiction in his community is not all that different than what you would see in Timmins. However, because of how small and close-knit community is, one person’s drug problem can affect everyone.

“People put drugs before their families, before their own well-being, before their basic needs,” said Cheechoo. “It impacts their kids, the family, the whole community is affected.”

With two extra officers on the island reserve, the hope is that it will make smuggling in and selling drugs much more difficult. Cheechoo said if there is a significant drop in the amount of drugs, the community will look at making the new positions permanent.

But the deputy-chief is sceptical that even two more officers will truly be able to make a huge impact because of the chronic underfunding that the Aboriginal police service has been dealing with for many years. It is something he and the rest of the community leaders want the federal government to address.

“Right now we lack the resources to tackle this issue,” said Cheechoo. “OPP and NAPS are two different types of police forces. In comparison, OPP in Moosonee (off-reserve) have 15 officers, while NAPS in Moose Factory (on-reserve) has eight officers. Both places have the same population.

“NAPS has tried their best to protect this community over the years, but it’s been hard for them to do it. So the leadership of the Moose Cree have stepped in to get more resources for our police force.”

 

MCFN & NAPS MOU - We Understand the Negative Impacts of Drug Trafficking and Abuse

Moose Cree First Nation and the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Sign Memorandum of Understanding

by Nation Talk on January 12, 2016

The Moose Cree First Nation and the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to underscore their joint commitment to fight drug trafficking, and to work together to ensure a safe and healthy community.

“Today is a significant day for our community. Our people have been clear that they want steps taken to reduce drug abuse and the trafficking of drugs in our community. We recognize that drug use is destructive. It is hurting our children, families and community and we are committed to work with the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service to prevent and reduce it to the greatest extent possible,” stated Chief Norm Hardisty Jr.

The MCFN made the decision to fund two NAPS Officer positions for one year with NAPS providing training and equipment. The two Officer positions will focus specifically on preventing and investigating drug offences. “It is a well-known fact that the NAPS has been under-funded by governments for years. This situation is unacceptable and the Moose Cree First Nation continues to call on both levels of government to address this unfair situation,” said Chief Hardisty. Chief Hardisty indicated that the Moose Cree could not wait any longer for additional officers to deal with the prevalence of drug trafficking in the community and so took the initiative to fund two additional full-time positions.

“I am pleased that our First Nation and NAPS are able to work together in taking a strong stance against drug trafficking. With the support of our community, other First Nations in the region, the Town of Moosonee and NAPS, I believe that we can make a difference in reducing drug abuse in our communities,” stated Deputy Chief Earl Cheechoo. “This is an important step in the right direction and we must remain committed to eradicating this problem for the benefit our children and youth and community as a whole.”

On January 11, 2016, NAPS Chief of Police Terry Armstrong and Northeast Region Inspector Eric Cheechoo, along with Chief Hardisty and the MCFN Council met at the Moose Cree First Nation to participate in a signing ceremony, followed by a feast to recognize the occasion.