On October 6, 2023, officers with Patrol Services, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Unit, charged 31-year-old Matthew Nieminen with drug and weapon offences, and 30-year-old Nicholas Turmaine with drug and weapon offences, as well as operation while prohibited.
Around 9:30 p.m., 911 Communicators received a report of a running vehicle parked in the middle of the intersection at Pine Street and Wellington Street East with two unconscious occupants inside. Officers were dispatched to the intersection and found an SUV parked in the intersection.
Officers spoke with the occupants of the vehicle and observed the passenger, who identified themselves as Matthew Nieminen, to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a prohibited pocketknife. They were arrested.
Police learned the driver, who identified themselves as Nicholas Turmaine, was a suspended and prohibited driver. This accused was also charged in relation to the schedule I substances previously mentioned.
A search of the occupants and the vehicle located approximately 39 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine, approximately 27 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine, and approximately 41 grams of a substance believed to be fentanyl. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $23,000. They were also in possession of loose shotgun shells.
Nieminen is charged with:
- Possession of Schedule I Substance for Purpose of Trafficking x3
- Careless Storage of Ammunition
- Unauthorized Possession of Weapon
This accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Turmaine is charged with:
- Possession of Schedule I Substance for Purpose of Trafficking x3
- Careless Storage of Ammunition
- Operation While Prohibited
This accused was also held in custody pending a bail hearing.
