The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) has arrested two men and seized approximately $79,950 in illicit drugs, including Fentanyl and Cocaine, following a NBPS Street Crime Unit (SCU) investigation.

The accused, Tyler Fitzpatrick-Bell, 30-year-old, male, of, North Bay, has been charged with:

• Four Counts of Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Fail to Comply with Release Order

The co-accused, Kyle Joseph, 24-year-old, male, of, London, Ontario, has been charged with:

• Four Counts of Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Operation while Prohibited

At approximately 3:45 p.m. on April 22 in the Manitou Street area, NBPS Patrol Section attended a parked vehicle where the accused and co-accused were observed standing nearby. Upon police arrival, both males attempted to flee on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, both were arrested without incident. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) also assisted in the investigation.

Subsequent search led to the seizure of the following items:

• Controlled substances with an estimated street value of $79,950 including:
  • 344 grams Fentanyl
  • 110 grams of Cocaine
  • Qty 22, 8mg Dilaudid pills
  • Qty 24, Percocet pills
• $5,335 Canadian currency

“Dangerous drugs being brought into our community pose a serious threat, and recent public health warnings underscore the ongoing risks,” said Insp. McFarlane. “Working alongside our policing partners, we continue to take coordinated action and we remain committed to identifying and disrupting those responsible. Community cooperation and support are critical throughout these investigations, as community safety is a shared responsibility.”

The accused and co-accused were arrested and held in custody pending a bail hearing.