By Rosalind Russell – The United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police has established its inaugural full-time Drug Enforcement Unit to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime to bolster the security of all communities on Manitoulin Island.
Police Chief James Killeen says since 2021, the UCCM Anishnaabe Police’s drug enforcement efforts have led to 85 individuals being charged with over 363 criminal and drug offences, alongside the seizure of drugs valued at over $854,000.
With over 26 years of law enforcement experience Killeen will now oversee the unit in addition to his commitment to advancing Indigenous policing issues and fostering collaborative efforts to ensure community safety.
Killeen says full-time drug unit on Manitoulin Island will make the communities the unit serves safer, emphasizing drug activity is not limited to their communities and is connected to drug and gang activity throughout Ontario, so they will work with other policing services to eradicate the illegal drug trade.
Twenty-two of the individuals charged with drug offences by UCCM Anishnaabe Police since 2021 were from the Greater Toronto Area. UCCM Anishnaabe Police joined the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO) in 2021 and partners with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on drug investigations, as well as sharing information with Greater Sudbury Police Service, Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service and Toronto Integrated Guns and Gangs Task Force.
“We value our partnerships with other police services to collect intelligence and share information regarding criminal organizations and individuals that are active across our jurisdictional borders,” says Chief Killeen. “At the same time, our First Nations community’s leadership and citizens have expressed an overwhelming interest in having a DEU be a permanent part of their Police Service to enhance our ability to proactively combat drug trafficking and related crimes.”
The unit will start with five full-time officers, including a Detective Sergeant and four Detective Constables. UCCM Anishnaabe Police is looking for experienced officers, both internally and externally, to fill these positions. Interested officers can learn more at: uccmpolice.com/current-opportunities
Photos: The United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police has established its inaugural full-time Drug Enforcement Unit to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime to bolster the security of all communities on Manitoulin Island. Police Chief James Killeen says since 2021, the UCCM Anishnaabe Police’s drug enforcement efforts have led to 85 individuals being charged with over 363 criminal and drug offences, alongside the seizure of drugs valued at over $854,000. Photos provided by UCCM
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