Project Decoy and Project Incognito evidence - (CJ Goater/Acadia Broadcasting)
Two major drug tracking investigations in Thunder Bay have led to the seizure of over $1 million in illegal drugs, along with seven guns, and three vehicles.
Project Decoy and Project Incognito were started by city police’s Intelligence Unit in the fall of 2024.
The projects were made possible through funding from the provincial government.
Project Decoy ran from October to December and focused on drug purchases on the streets and addressing community complaints about suspected drug trafficking activity.
The project resulted in the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of more than $750,000, along with nearly $160,000 in cash.
Three handguns, one shotgun, and a vehicle were seized.
Officers arrested 38 people, and they are facing a total of 215 charges.
Project Incognito is still underway, and it is a spinoff of Project Decoy.
Officers have seized quantities of suspected cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
So far, the project has resulted in the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of about $350,000, two handguns, and two vehicles.
Six people have also been arrested.
Between the two projects, 44 people have been arrested with more than 20 of the accused being considered non-residents of the Thunder Bay District.
Overall police have searched roughly 20 different addresses.
The accused face a total of more than 220 charges.
They have all appeared in court and are scheduled with future court dates.
