(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Six individuals are facing multiple charges following a three-week long investigation that led to the seizure of suspected cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, Percocet pills and illicit cannabis.
Between April 21, 2025, and May 9, 2025 members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with support from the OPP Canine Unit, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, and Thunder Bay Police Service Canine Unit investigated incidents of drug trafficking throughout Northwestern Ontario.
During the investigation and during the execution of two search warrants at residences in the City of Thunder Bay, officers seized suspected cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, Percocet pills and illicit cannabis.
As a result of the investigation, six people have been charged and face numerous charges under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Cannabis Act.
Maurice BARTLEY, 57-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid
The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 9, 2025.
Steve GROOMBRIDGE, 42-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
The accused was remanded into custody.
Lennox MATTINAS, 48-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid
The accused was remanded into custody
Jasen Dowhaniuk, 43-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of distributing
The accused will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 30, 2025 to answer to the above charges.
Alleysha Henry, 27-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder on June 5, 2025 to answer to the above charge.
Leah NEWMAN, 49-years-old of Langley, BC has been charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs
The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on June 4, 2025 to answer to the above charges.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the trafficking of illicit substances is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).