Results in Drug Trafficking and Proceeds of Crime Charges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – M’Chigeeng First Nation, ON

Date:  March 3, 2026
INCIDENT NUMBER: UF26000644

On March 2, 2026, during a joint traffic enforcement initiative involving the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police in the area of Highway 6, Little Current, officers conducted a traffic stop for observed driving-related offences. While speaking with the driver, officers detected a strong odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle. As a result, officers conducted a search of the vehicle pursuant to the authority granted under the Cannabis Control Act.

During the search, police located and seized approximately 71 grams of suspected cocaine, along with over $17,000.00 in Canadian Currency.

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals have been charged:

Damion RANGER (32) of Durham, ON

  • Criminal Code Section 354(1) – Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Section 5(2) – Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Criminal Code Section 12(1) – Drive with Cannabis Readily Available
  • Highway Traffic Act Section 182(2) – Disobey Stop Sign

Varian SHEPHERD (38) of Scarborough, ON

  • Criminal Code Section 354(1) – Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Section 5(2) – Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Devonte BLAIR (29) of Toronto, ON

  • Criminal Code Section 354(1) – Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Section 5(2) – Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

All accused persons were arrested and held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police remain committed to public safety and proactive enforcement efforts aimed at reducing the presence of illicit drugs in our communities.

Contact:

Dan Despatie
Deputy Chief of Police
Tel: 705-377-7135

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Community safety is a collaborative effort with our communities. UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service would like to remind the public that we need to work together to ensure the safety, protection and overall health and wellness of our communities. We need your help, your information, and your assistance to affect change. Drug trafficking invites residual and lateral violence into your communities, such as home invasions, serious assaults, and homicides, and leads to the erosion of our communities through addiction, homelessness, and overdose deaths. We need to speak directly with the people who have the information that we require to ensure the safety and protection of our communities. Remember information is best protected and utilized when the Police can receive the information firsthand.

The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, OPP Community Street Crime Unit and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service remain committed to working collaboratively and will continue to focus its efforts on major crime operations that pose a direct and elevated threat to the safety, security, and wellness of our communities. This combined effort aims to identify and disrupt organized crime on Manitoulin Island through innovative technology, collaborative partnerships and traditional Police work resulting in the arrests of those involved, holding them accountable for their criminal activities and the seizure of illegal drugs, prohibited firearms and proceeds of crime.

If anyone has further information regarding any criminal activity, drug trafficking and/or organized crime, please contact UCCM Police at 705-377-7135 or Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers at 705-222- TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com. Together we can make a difference.