(LAKE HELEN, ON) – Members of the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested two individuals for drug trafficking after a search warrant was conducted at a local residence.
On February 18th, 2026, members of the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the Nipigon OPP and the Anishinabek Police Service (APS) conducted a search warrant at a residence in the First Nation Territory of Lake Helen. During the search police located suspected crack cocaine, methamphetamine pills and Canadian currency valued at $1895.00. The drugs have a combined street value of approximately $11, 250.00.
As a result of this investigation, Amanda BOUCHARD, 46-years of Lake Helen, ON has been arrested and charged with the following Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Criminal Code of Canada offences:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
James NETEMEGESIC, 35-years of Lake Helen, ON has been arrested and charged with the following Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Criminal Code of Canada offences:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order
Both accused were remanded into custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay.
Members of the OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).