THUNDER BAY — A police search of a residence in a north-side Thunder Bay neighbourhood five years ago has now resulted in the conviction of two men charged with numerous drug-related and weapons-related offences.
The court heard testimony that indicated the home was being used as a "safe house" for trafficking drugs elsewhere in the city.
In June 2018, city police announced they had responded to a call to a residence in the 100 block of Ruttan Street, where they observed a handgun and what appeared to be drugs.
After taking two people into custody, police returned with a search warrant and seized a large amount of cash, drugs and firearms.
Among bundles of cash found in the home was over $500,000 located in a bedroom, as well as four handguns, ammunition, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Adrian Myles Puentes-Reed of Hamilton, then 25, and Kalid Yousef of Edmonton, then 26, were charged with multiple offences.
Their trial took place in September 2022, and Superior Court Justice Bruce Fitzpatrick recently rendered a verdict of guilty on charges of possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of drugs for trafficking, and possession of prohibited handguns.
Puentes-Reed was found by police passed out in a bedroom that had a walk-in closet containing $470,000 in cash in a duffle bag and in shoe boxes.
There was also a backpack in the same room containing $35,000 in cash, and a quantity of marijuana.
During the trial, the court heard expert testimony concerning the drug trade in Thunder Bay, where the street price is significantly higher than in Southern Ontario.
A police officer explained that a favoured method of distributing drugs in the city involves dealers — often from out of town — taking over a residence which later becomes what's known as a "trap house" visited by customers.
The same business model also uses a "safe house," where dealers secure large cash proceeds from daily or weekly operations, as well as other supplies.
In his decision on the case, Judge Fitzpatrick noted that street-level buyers are not directed to the safe house, as its purpose is to avoid drawing attention from anyone, including police and potential rivals.
He concluded that, based on all the evidence, the two accused had been using the Ruttan Street residence as a safe house.
Sentencing will take place at a later date.
