provided by the OPP
Person sleeping in vehicle charged with drug offences
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged one person with drug related offences on February 1, 2025. At approximately 3:40 p.m., the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP responded to a person passed out in a vehicle in a local parking lot on Front Street, West Nipissing. Police conducted a wellness check on the individual and a search of the vehicle located drugs paraphernalia, along with drugs suspected to be amphetamines, cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine.
As a result of investigation, Genevieve Gagne, age, from West Nipissing, was arrested and charged with four counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking. The accused was held for bail court and was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on February 3, in North Bay.
Wanted person at large
The Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP is continuing efforts to locate an individual wanted for drug and firearm offences. Anthony Edwards is described as 34 years of age; 5’7” (175cm), 159 lbs (72.5 kg); of medium build; with short black hair and brown eyes. He has previously resided in Ajax, Richmond Hill, Whitby and North York, and may be in Southern Ontario. If seen, call 9-1-1 and do not approach, police advise.
Under the Criminal Code, anyone who knowingly helps a fugitive evade arrest (e.g., providing shelter, transportation, or other assistance) could face criminal charges and imprisonment. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Anthony Edwards is urged to contact the Nipissing West OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Reference #RM121037091
Hwy 17 collision causes two deaths
The OPP is investigating a head-on collision which resulted in the death of two people on Hwy 17 near Verner. On January 23, shortly after 11:00 a.m., members from the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP, Fire Services and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the two-vehicle collision. A 69-year-old-person from Wawa was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people with life-threatening injuries were transported by Air ORNGE to a local hospital, where a 74-year-old person from Sault Ste. Marie later succumbed to their injuries. Three other people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The highway was closed in both directions for just over eight hours. The investigation is ongoing and no cause or further information has been released thus far.
