Four individuals face drug charges after the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service seized more than $260,000 in narcotics on Thursday morning.
A news release issued today states that a high-risk traffic stop was conducted at approximately 10 a.m. in the 700 block of Pine Street.
“A subsequent search of the vehicle located approximately 465.87 grams of a substance believed to be fentanyl, 9.73 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine, a conductive energy weapon and firearm ammunition,” the release says.
As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Brodie Barnes, 41-year-old Mickey Buonomo, 30-year-old Vanessa McKinnon, and 42-year-old Shane Whiteman of Peterborough were arrested and face numerous drug and weapons charges.
Full text of the release follows:
On Nov. 4, 2021, officers with the Crime Suppression Unit, Drug Enforcement Unit and the Emergency Services Unit charged 32-year-old Brodie Barnes, 41-year-old Mickey Buonomo, 30-year-old Vanessa McKinnon, and 42-year-old Shane Whiteman of Peterborough with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Around 10 a.m., officers observed a parked vehicle in the 700 block of Pine Street with Mr. Buonomo in the front passenger seat. Mr. Buonomo was wanted on outstanding warrants.
A high-risk traffic stop was conducted, and officers identified Mr. Whiteman in the driver’s seat, Mr. Brodie and Ms. MacKinnon in the rear of the vehicle. Further investigation determined Mr. Whiteman was wanted for providing a false name during a previous incident. A subsequent search of him located small quantity of a substance believed to be cocaine, a small quantity of a substance believed to be fentanyl and approximately $6,709 of Canadian currency. Further investigation determined he was a suspended driver.
A subsequent search of the vehicle located approximately 465.87 grams of a substance believed to be fentanyl, 9.73 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine, a conductive energy weapon and firearm ammunition. The estimated street value of the narcotics seized is $260,417. All four of the accused were arrested.
“With this seizure, approximately 5,000 potentially fatal doses of illicit narcotics will not be available on the streets of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township," says Chief Hugh Stevenson. “This poison is a significant contributor to criminal activity in our communities. I applaud the work of our officers. This is the third significant seizure of drugs in the last 11 days. To the public, we will continue to investigate the drug sub-culture to identify those profiting from the distribution of narcotics, disrupt their distribution and bring them before the courts.”
A subsequent search of Mr. Barnes located approximately 41.33 grams of a substance believed to be fentanyl, .85 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine and three oxycodone pills. He is charged with:
• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Prohibited Device
• Possession of a Prohibited Device and/or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x11
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order to Keep the Peace and be of Good Behaviour
A subsequent search of Mr. Buonomo found him to be in possession of approximately .44 grams of a substance believed to be crack cocaine. He is charged with:
• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Prohibited Device
• Fail to Comply with a Release Order x2
A subsequent search of Ms. McKinnon found her to be in possession of approximately 6.48 grams of a substance believed to be fentanyl. She is charged with:
• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Possession of a Prohibited Device
• Failing to Attend Court
Mr. Whiteman is charged with:
• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x3
• Possession of a Prohibited Device and/or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x6
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Possession of a Prohibited Device
• Fail to Comply with Release Order to not Possess any Weapon
• Obstruct Police Officer
• Identity Fraud
• Operation While Prohibited
• Driving While Suspended under Highway Traffic Act
All four of the accused were held for bail court and remanded into custody. Mr. Barnes, Mr. Buonomo and Mr. Whiteman are scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 9, 2021. Ms. McKinnon is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 18, 2021.