An early morning drug raid on Salem Road followed by an unconnected ice rescue on Wellers Bay later that afternoon kept the local OPP busy last Thursday.

OPP executed a search warrant at a residence on Salem Road shortly after 6 a.m.

The joint operation included members of the Prince Edward County, Lennox & Addington County, Quinte West, Frontenac, and Madoc Community Street Crime Unit along with the assistance of the Tactical Response Unit (TRU).

Reian Wallace, 26, and Cindy Wallace, 47, were located in the residence and arrested. Police seized four firearms, assorted ammunition, 66 grams of suspected cocaine, ten grams of suspected methamphetamine, $840 in Canadian currency and two scales.

Police also recovered two stolen snowmobiles and a stolen dirt bike.

As a result of this investigation, OPP have charged Reian Wallace with four counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm; four counts of careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition; possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine; possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine; two counts of possession property obtained by crime under $5,000; and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Cindy Wallace is charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm; careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition; possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine; possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000. 

The accused were released from custody and will appear at Ontario’s Court of Justice in Picton February 28th, 2024.

ICE RESCUE

Around noon, Prince Edward OPP and Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue responded to the Blakely Road access point of Wellers Bay in response to 15-year-old stranded on the ice.

With the assistance of the OPP, the teen was able to safely return to shore and received treatment at the scene for exposure.

Firefighters are urging everyone to keep ice safety in mind as the temperatures turn colder.

With changing weather conditions, it can be hard to tell the strength or thickness of ice by its appearance. The County fire department advises:
– ensure ice is at least 4 inches thick for safe activities such as skating.
– check ice quality and thickness is regular; it can vary based on weather and temperature.
– stay away from unfamiliar or potentially weak ice, such as near moving water or areas with vegetation.
– wear proper safety gear, such as a life jacket or ice picks, when venturing onto frozen bodies of water.
– always let someone know your plans and where you will be on the ice. Do not venture out onto the ice alone.
– If you are ever in doubt about the conditions of the ice, do not go out.