THUNDER BAY -- Another of the 19 people charged after a 2016 drug seizure in Thunder Bay will spend time in a federal penitentiary.
Tomasso Vernelli, 34, has been sentenced to two years for conspiracy to traffic and for possession of proceeds of crime.
In late January, a woman and a man were each sentenced to 18 months house arrest—except for purposes of employment—after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic.
Dale Vandenbroeke, 31, described as a ringleader in the trafficking operation, was sentenced earlier to 58 months in prison.
The court cases of some other individuals arrested in the bust are still in progress.
Thunder Bay Police Staff Sergeant Ryan Gibson was involved in the investigation that was dubbed Project Recover.
Describing the outcome for one of the accused, Gibson said "He's paid a pretty steep price for what his position was in life prior to this. On top of going to jail, he's going to have that criminal record. No one wants that."
In an interview, Gibson said he hopes the convictions deliver a message to people considering getting involved in the drug trade or other crime.
"Perhaps for awhile you can do well at it, but eventually the police are gonna come knocking," he said.
Gibson acknowledged that some members of the community might not always be satisfied with sentences that are handed out.
"These investigations aren't easy. They're complicated. There's a number of hurdles that we have to get through to bring these people before the courts."
Gibson said the goal for Thunder Bay Police is "disruption" with regard to traffickers and the narcotics that they bring into the community.
"People will have various opinions, but I think in this case when you see the system play itself out, it works."
The police service, he said, is satisfied with the sentences that have been given out so far.
