Two Charged Following Drug Trafficking Investigation

The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) has charged two people following a Street Crime Unit (SCU) investigation into an alleged drug transaction on McIntyre Street West, where one man fled from police on an e-bike.

On September 15, 2026, at approximately 2:45 p.m., members of the SCU were conducting an investigation in the 200 block of McIntyre Street West when two individuals were observed allegedly exchanging cash and suspected cocaine.

The accused, John SLOAN, 60-year-old, male of North Bay, has been charged with:

• Three Counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

The co-accused, Taishaun LAWRENCE, 31-year-old, male of North Bay, has been charged with:

• Dangerous Operation
• Resist Peace Officer
• Possession of Schedule I Substance – Cocaine
• Three Counts of Operation While Prohibited
• Drive Motor Vehicle – No license
• Drive Motor Vehicle – No permit
• Drive Motor Vehicle – No plates
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

Both individuals were placed under arrest. One accused SLOAN was arrested without incident, while the co-accused LAWRENCE fled the area on an e-bike. The co-accused LAWRENCE was reported to be travelling at a speed exceeding the flow of traffic, weaving between lanes and travelling on and off pedestrian sidewalks.

The co-accused LAWRENCE was later located in the 600 block of Norman Avenue and arrested without incident.

Subsequent search led to the seizure of the following items:

• Controlled substances including:
  • 1 grams Fentanyl
  • 3.5 grams Cocaine
  • 1 gram Crack Cocaine
• $140 Canadian Currency

“Our Street Crime Unit continues to work to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into our community and hold those responsible for distributing them accountable,” said Insp. McFarlane. “That includes taking action against smaller-scale trafficking activity that contributes to the availability of illegal drugs in our community.”

The accused and co-accused were arrested and held in custody pending a bail hearing.