SUDBURY -- A 33-year-old Sault Ste. Marie man is facing dozens of drug trafficking and weapon-related charges after a suspected overdose death.

Police say they responded to a distress call involving two people at an Echo Bay residence on Feb. 2.

When officers arrived, they reportedly found a 41-year-old woman dead inside the home.

Sault Ste. Marie OPP says during their investigation into the death, a search warrant was carried out and they say they found suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and fentanyl, as well as approximately$7,100 in US and Canadian cash.

"Concerned that it may be linked and we are investigating it as a possibility to a disturbing trend that we are seeing in Ontario," said OPP Det. Cst. Matt Watson. "Where illicit drugs, like cocaine or methamphetamine, have been contaminated, with dealers that are cutting it with opioids."

Now, police say a 33-year-old local man has been arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) - four counts;
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - other drug, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA - three counts;
  • Possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine, contrary to section 4(1) of the CDSA - two counts;
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA;
  • Fail to comply with probation order, contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code (CC) - two counts;
  • Possession of a schedule I substance - cocaine, contrary to section 4(1) of the CDSA;
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 - in Canada, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC - two counts;
  • Fail to comply with recognizance, contrary to section 145(3) of the CC - three counts;
  • Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a probation order, contrary to section 117.01(1) of the CC;
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance - Opioid (other than heroine), contrary to section 4(1) of the CDSA - two counts;
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 - in Canada, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC;
  • Possession of a schedule I substance - methylenedioxyamphetamine (ecstasy), contrary to section 4(1) of the CDSA;
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, contrary to section 91(1) of the CC; and,
  • Breach of firearms regulation - store firearm or restricted weapon, contrary to section 86(2) of the CC.

The accused remains in custody following a Feb. 13 bail hearing.

None of the allegations has been proven in court.

With files from Jairus Patterson, CTV News Sault Ste. Marie