THUNDER BAY -- Charges have been withdrawn against two of the suspects accused in one of the largest drug seizure cases in Thunder Bay Police Service history.
Gabriel Mosher, 30, of Thunder Bay, had been charged with conspiracy to traffic in marijuana, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in hydromorphone and criminal organization.
Chris Shaen, 34, of Thunder Bay had been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine and criminal organization.
All charges were withdrawn Tuesday morning during a court appearance to set a trial date.
City police arrested 19 suspects connected to Project Recover, a nearly one-year investigation in collaboration with the OPP and Ontario, and Manitoba ministries of finance.
The seizure included more than 115 pounds of marijuana, which came with a potential street value of more than $1 million as well as more than 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $165,000.
Investigators also seized substantial assets, including vehicles, boats, and a tractor trailer all valued at $383,000, five firearms, nearly $140,000 in cash and contraband cigarettes worth more than $8,200.
Police officials said the drugs were intended to be sold in Thunder Bay.
The investigation began September 2015 after city police were notified by the OPP and Manitoba government of illegal cigarette and marijuana smuggling by a local man.
Members of the Intelligence Unit conducted a six-month undercover investigation, where they discovered a second drug trafficking operation.
A series of arrests were made against members of the second phase of the operation beginning on June 15.
