Eight people are facing charges after a seizure of suspected cocaine and firearms in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory late last week.
The OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit and Tyendinaga Police Service began an investigation earlier this fall that eventually led to a large presence on the Territory last Friday.
That day, officers with the CSCU and members of the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, the Emergency Response Team, Canine Units, OPP Crisis Negotiators the Provincial Liaison Team, Prince Edward County OPP Crime Unit and the Tyendinaga Police Service executed search warrants at two locations on Old Highway 2 and one on Huron Brant Drive.
Officers seized nearly 10 grams of suspected cocaine, multiple firearms and two sets of brass knuckles. They also seized items associated with drug trafficking and over $2400 in cash.
Marcelo Lopes, 25 of Bradford has been charged with:
- Obstructing a peace officer
- Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime-under $5000
Nathan Robinson, 42 of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory has been charged with:
- Careless storage of a firearm – three counts
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm – three counts
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm – four counts
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
Robert Addeo, 18 of Newmarket, and Rodrigo Almas, 22 of Toronto have been charged with:
- Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime-under $5000
Aaron Baptiste, 47 of Deseronto has been charged with:
- Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime-under $5000
Nicholas Hamilton, 24 of Edmonton, Alberta, Beverly Maracle, 62 of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Tonya Maracle, 55, of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory have each been charged with possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Beverly and Tonya Maracle were released from custody with scheduled appearances before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on December 22.
The other accused were held for bail hearings in Belleville Court.
