(WALPOLE ISLAND FIRST NATION, ON) – An investigation by the Walpole Island Police Service (WIPS) has resulted in an arrest on St. Anne Island.
On February 9, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., members of the WIPS were on general patrol when they observed what appeared to be tire impressions crossing the snowy ice surface of the Johnson Channel to St. Anne Island. Due to concerns for the wellbeing of those involved, officers initiated an investigation.
With the assistance of Walpole Island Resource Protection and the Lambton County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), officers located a single motor vehicle that had entered the ditch on St. Anne Island. No one was observed in or around the vehicle at the time.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., an individual was located walking along the shoreline of St. Anne Island. Further investigation determined that the individual was wanted on an outstanding warrant with the Lambton OPP.
As a result of the investigation, Edward SANDS, a 38-year-old individual from Walpole Island First Nation, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:
- Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (12 counts)
- Unauthorized possession of firearm
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Walpole Island Police Service at 1-888-310-1122 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.