NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On Nov. 21, 2023 at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a Controlled Dugs and Substances Act (CDSA) warrant at a residence on Hillside Drive South in Elliot Lake.
As a result of the warrant being executed, numerous stolen items linked to thefts from retail stores in Elliot Lake, approximately $7,000 in cash, over 12 grams of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and crystal meth, digital scales, debt lists, packaging material, and cell phones were seized.
The OPP's Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Canine Unit, Emergency Response Team (ERT), East Algoma Crime Unit, and uniform members were involved with the investigation.
In total, 10 people were arrested and charged. Three had warrants out for their arrest and one was breaching prior release conditions.
Christopher Mercer, 44 years old, of Elliot Lake was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Cocaine
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Opioid (other than Heroin)
• Fail to comply with Probation Order
Ronald Baron, 48 years old, of Huron Shores was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
David Martin, 61 years old, of Elliot Lake was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
• Fail to attend for court - as per Undertaking
Donald Johnson, 61 years old, of Elliot Lake was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
These four accused persons were scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on Nov. 22, 2023.
Larissa Richer, 29 years old, of Elliot Lake was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Opioid (other than Heroin)
Dragika Dikic, 54 years old, of Elliot Lake was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
Jessica Remillard, 31 years old, of Spanish was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
• Fail to attend for court - as per Undertaking
Rachel Brown, 44 years old, of Elliot Lake was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
Norm Topping, 74 years old, of Elliot Lake was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
Orlando Samuels, 40 years old, of Mississauga was 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 (other than Heroin)
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
These six accused persons are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on Jan. 11, 2024.
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