A joint investigation between North Bay police and the OPP called "Project Drifter" has resulted in numerous arrests and the seizure of drugs and cash.
Project Drifter is a joint forces operation between the North Bay Police Service and the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau to identify and take enforcement action on people believed to be involved in the illegal distribution of controlled substances in the Nipissing District.
The ongoing investigation is part of an effort that began in September 2019. Through that collaboration, 30 people were arrested and 106 charges laid.
See: Project Drifter leads to massive drug bust and arrests
On December 16, 2020 investigators identified two residential locations that police believe were involved in the distribution of illegal substances. Police secured and executed search warrants for the two North Bay homes and the investigation also identified a vehicle.
Shortly after 9 p.m. on December 16, police stopped an Acura sedan on Fisher Street in North Bay. Three occupants of the vehicle were arrested.
John Teliska, 27, of Scarborough is charged with:
- Two counts of possession of a substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine and Fentanyl)
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Breach of a release order.
Garrison Griffiths, 22, of Pickering is charged with:
- Two counts of possession of a substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine and Fentanyl)
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Dean Butler, 23, of Toronto is charged with:
- Two counts of possession of a substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine and Fentanyl)
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
A search of the vehicle and occupants resulted in the seizure of;
- 5.8 grams of suspected Fentanyl
- 15.1 grams of suspected cocaine
- Cash totalling over $5,000
- Two digital scales
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $2,170
The vehicle, a 2006 Acura, was also seized as offence related property.
All three men remain in custody pending a bail hearing at the North Bay Courthouse.
Police then executed a search warrant on a Fisher Street residence that led to the arrest of Terry Hendry, 36, and Stephanie Leclair, 35, both of North Bay who are charged with;
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl);
- Possession of prohibited weapon
- Possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000
- Possession of a substance (crystal methamphetamine)
The search resulted in the seizure of;
- 3.3 grams of suspected Fentanyl
- 0.3 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine
- Brass knuckles
- Cash under $5,000
A second search warrant was executed on a Manitou Street residence. This led to the arrest of three people;
Demitri Green, 22, of Milton is charged with;
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by Crime over $5,000
Michael Billodeau, 40, of North Bay is charged with;
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Jessica Beres, 38, of North Bay is charged with;
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Police also seized cash from the residence. The three individuals were all released from custody and will appear in the North Bay Courthouse on January 26th 2021.
The total amount of cash seized from all three locations was $29,520.
If you have information that can assist police in identifying people or locations involved in illicit drug distribution in your neighbourhood you can call the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and select option 9 to speak to a police officer.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers, by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.
