(ESPANOLA, ON) – An individual is facing charges following the execution of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant in Espanola.
On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the OPP Northeast Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the North East Region Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), and OPP Canine Unit, executed a CDSA search warrant at a residence on Second Avenue in Espanola.
During the search, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $600, approximately $600 in Canadian currency, one handgun, one shotgun, ammunition for both firearms, digital scales, packaging materials and one cellphone.
As a result, Ralph BELANGER, 63-years-old from Espanola, was arrested and charged with:
- Disobeying order of court
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Careless storage of a firearm
- Breach of firearms regulation – store firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on December 7, 2026.
The investigation remains ongoing and further details may be release as additional information becomes.
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