A news release issued today by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service states that three people face trafficking charges following an incident on Wellington Street East early this morning.
Derek Maione, Joshua Maione, and Halie Makinson were arrested after officers responded to a report of a break-in shortly before 3 a.m.
During a search, responding officers located suspected cocaine and crack cocaine valued at approximately $50,000.
Full text of the release follows:
On Tuesday, Oct. 26, officers with the Crime Suppression Unit, Drug Enforcement Unit and Patrol Services charged 28-year-old Derek Maione, 24-year-old Joshua Maione and 24-year-old Halie Makinson with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Around 2:48 a.m., officers responded to reports of a break and enter in progress in the 0-100 block of Wellington Street East and that the people inside had a gun. Upon arrival, officers observed a black BMW parked in the driveway of the residence. The three accused were inside the car and placed under investigative detention.
During a subsequent search of the area, officers located approximately 470 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine, 25.58 grams of a substance believed to be crack cocaine, a quantity of Canadian currency, and a canister of bear spray. The estimated street value of the narcotics seized is $50,843. The black BMW was also seized.
“This narcotics seizure removes a significant amount of illicit drugs from our community,” said Chief Hugh Stevenson. “We will continue to investigate people who are profiting from the drug sub culture and targeting vulnerable people in our community. If you are involved in the drug trade, we will find you, lawfully seize your property and use the full extent of the law to bring you before the courts.”
Further investigation revealed the two men had entered the residence, causing damage in the process.
Derek Maione is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a weapon contrary to a prohibition order, possession of property obtained by crime, break and enter, mischief under $5,000, and theft under $5,000. He was held for bail court.
Joshua Maione is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a weapon contrary to a prohibition order, possession of property obtained by crime, break and enter, mischief under $5,000, and theft under $5,000. He was held for bail court.
Halie Makinson is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. She released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 13, 2021.