Release Date: 18 October 2001

The Tri-Force Drug Unit, composed of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Thunder Bay Police and Ontario Provincial Police, in conjunction with the Integrated Proceeds of Crime Unit from London, are in the process of concluding a 12 month drug investigation in the Northwest Region.

This project resulted in the execution of 19 search warrants in Thunder Bay, Fort Frances and Winnipeg over the last several days. The investigation was centred on the illegal distribution of controlled substances, mainly hash oil, into the Northwest Region. The investigation was able to break down a ring that operated between Jamaica, the United States and Canada. A large number of police agencies assisted the Tri-Force Drug Unit in this investigation and all have been listed on an attachment to this release.

During the course of the investigation to date police have arrested eleven individuals and have arrest warrants outstanding for six other individuals. A total of 64 drug charges have been laid. The investigation is continuing.

The investigation has resulted in the seizure of the following:

Approximately $500,000.00 in cash and assets have also been seized.

The potential street value of drugs seized is in the area of $2,000,000.00.

Agencies that assisted in the investigation:

Arrested and charged:

  1. Anthony Marozzo, age 39, Thunder Bay, Ontario
  1. Elio Deamicis, age 40, Thunder Bay, Ontario
  1. Kurt Breton, age 40, St. Clements, Manitoba
  1. Jeff Priestly, age 38, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  1. Derrick Waselenko, age 40, St. Clements, Manitoba
  1. Grant Kabez, age 37, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  1. John Pawluk, age 38, Thunder Bay, Ontario
  1. Ronald Johnston, age 40, Thunder Bay, Ontario
  1. Candice Cooper, age 37, Thunder Bay, Ontario
  1. Jason Hopkins, age 29, Thunder Bay, Ontario
  1. Pamela Colfer, age 39, Fort Frances, Ontario

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