In a significant bust, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested a 24-year-old man from Toronto following a traffic stop that uncovered a loaded firearm and suspected drugs in Temiskaming Shores. The incident occurred on October 23, 2025, highlighting ongoing challenges with drug trafficking in Northern Ontario.

Officers from the OPP’s Temiskaming Detachment, alongside the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), were actively investigating an individual believed to be involved in the distribution of illicit drugs in the town of Cobalt. The investigation culminated in a targeted traffic stop at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Highway 65 East, near a local business.

Upon stopping the vehicle, officers arrested the driver, Giovanni Liverpool. A subsequent search revealed a loaded 9mm handgun, approximately $1,300 in Canadian currency, and quantities of suspected fentanyl and cocaine. The seizure of these items raises serious concerns about the presence of dangerous substances in the community, especially fentanyl, which has been linked to numerous overdose deaths across Canada.

Liverpool now faces multiple serious charges, including:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm

• Possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000

• Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm

• Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Ontario, particularly in smaller communities where resources can be limited. The OPP continues to prioritize public safety and the crackdown on illegal drug activities, which pose risks not only to users but also to the wider community.

As the investigation unfolds, Liverpool remains in custody pending a bail hearing. The OPP urges anyone with information about drug trafficking or suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to come forward and assist law enforcement in keeping their communities safe.

With these developments, residents of Temiskaming Shores and surrounding areas are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The collaboration between local police and the community is essential in combating crime and ensuring safer streets for all Canadians.