(NORTH BAY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one person from Powassan with multiple criminal offences.

On August 9, 2023, the North Bay Detachment OPP began an investigation regarding the theft of commercial grade rental equipment from various rental companies in Southern Ontario. The heavy equipment was rented, the Global Positioning Transmitters (GPS) were removed, and the products were re-sold by the accused. The reported loss was valued at $94,000 dollars.

On June 18, 2024, members of the North Bay Detachment OPP Criminal Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Main Street in Powassan in relation to the fraud investigation. During the search, officers located a large quantity of illicit drugs, including substances suspected to be fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin (mushrooms) and oxycodone, with a total estimated street value of $20,000. Officers also seized over $3300.00 in Canadian currency.

As a result of the investigation, Joel Viau, 47 years-of-age from Powassan, was charged with the following criminal offences:

Fraud Over $5000
Participation in criminal organization
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl
Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
Breach of conditional sentence order
The accused was held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice.

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