Fentanyl, cocaine seized from Algonquin Ave. residence

Three North Bay people have been charged after police seized cocaine and fentanyl from a residence in the 800 block of Algonquin Avenue Saturday.

Police allege the investigation involved information regarding the possession of a quantity of cocaine. The investigation lead to police to securing a search warrant.

Located and seized from the residence were 60 grams of cocaine, 17 grams of purple fentanyl and $315 in Canadian currency. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $17,800.

Stephen Bird, 55, and Brittany Epple, 30, are charged possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime.

Nassir Nassir, 23 is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking in fentanyl and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime

Epple has been released from custody and will appear in the North Bay Court House on April 23 to answer to the charges.

Bird has been released from custody and will appear in the North Bay Court House on May 28.

Nassir remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

North Bay Police Chief Shawn Devine advises that “fentanyl is in North Bay and the surrounding area and is becoming all too common.

“Fentanyl is extremely potent and dangerous and has been linked to deaths and overdoses in our area. It poses dangers for people using this drug, police and first responders attending calls dealing with this drug, and with its lethal potency certainly is dangerous to innocent bystanders.”

If you have information that may assist police with investigations involving this potentially lethal drug you can call the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and select option 9 to speak to a police officer.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers, by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.