Eight people are facing multiple drug and firearms-related charges following a police operation in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
The Ontario Provincial Police East Region Community Street Crime Unit, with the Tyendinaga Police Service, began investigating earlier this fall. On Friday, November 28, officers executed search warrants at three locations, including two on Old Highway 2 and one on Huron Brant Drive.
The raids were supported by OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, Emergency Response Team, Canine Units, Crisis Negotiators, Provincial Liaison Team, and the Prince Edward County OPP Crime Unit. Officers seized nearly 10 grams of suspected cocaine, multiple firearms, two sets of brass knuckles, items linked to drug trafficking, and over $2,400 in cash.
Marcelo Lopes, age 25 of Bradford has been charged with:
- Obstructing a peace officer
- Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime-under $5000
Nathan Robinson, age 42 of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory has been charged with:
- Careless storage of a firearm – three counts
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm – three counts
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm – four counts
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
Robert Addeo, age 18 of Newmarket, and Rodrigo Almas, age 22 of Toronto have been charged with:
- Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime-under $5000
Aaron Baptiste, age 47 of Deseronto has been charged with:
- Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime-under $5000
Nicholas Hamilton, age 24 of Edmonton, Alberta, Beverly Maracle, age 62 of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Tonya Maracle, age 55 of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory have each been charged with possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Beverly and Tonya Maracle were released with court dates set for December 22, 2025. The other accused remain in custody awaiting bail hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville.
Written by Emily Chatwood
