**TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE**

The Timmins Police Service has charged 2 persons with drug related offences and arrested a third person stemming from the execution of a search warrant at an Elm Street North residence yesterday evening.

The execution of the search warrant marks the culmination of an intensive investigation undertaken by the Timmins Police Service – Drug Enforcement Section working in conjunction with the deployment of the Timmins Police – Emergency Response Team (ERT) as a precautionary measure.

A residence on Elm Street North became the focal point of this investigation.

The Timmins Police Service – Drug Enforcement Section officers executed the search warrant yesterday (January 15th) after the initial entry was gained by the Timmins Police – Emergency Response Team officers.

Seized exhibits include the following that will be tendered as evidence at trial:
– 36.7 grams of cocaine
– 27.2 grams of crystal methamphetamine
– 15.4 grams of fentanyl
– $7000 in Canadian currency
– assorted drug paraphernalia

The street value of the controlled substances seized in pegged at approximately $35,930.00.

Based on the outcome of the investigation, Valene WABANO, 23, of Timmins and Givonn BOWEN- WRIGHT, 20, of Toronto, have been charged respectively with:
– 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purposes of Trafficking contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act
– Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – over $5000 contrary to the Criminal code of Canada
BOWEN-WRIGHT is charged with 2 additional counts of Fail to Comply with Recognizance contrary to the Criminal code of Canada

All of the accused persons were arrested yesterday evening and remain in police custody awaiting a bail hearing slated for this morning at Provincial Court in Timmins to answer to the charge laid against them.

A third person, Brianne RICKARD, 32, of Timmins was located at the scene and arrested on the strength of outstanding Arrest Warrants but was not charged in relation to the controlled substances aspect of the investigation.

Filed under: Local News