Manslaughter charge laid in connection with Latchford opiod death

Temiskaming OPP issued a warning about the potentially deadly effects of opioids such as fentanyl in announcing a manslaughter charge relating to a sudden death in Latchford last November.

“Opioids such as fentanyl are odourless and can be mixed with any drug; even a small amount can be lethal, putting the public and the police at risk,” said  Temiskaming OPP Detachment Inspector Joel Breault, “(We are) continuing to work with community partners to strategically and collaboratively address the opioid crisis at the local and provincial levels.”

On November 30, 2018, police were called to investigate a sudden death on Empire Street in Latchford. As a result of the investigation, two people have been arrested and charged.

On May 7, 2019, Andrew Levere, 30-years-old, from Timmins, was arrested and charged with trafficking an opiod.

On Monday,  Daijen Dresser, 21, of Timmins, was arrested and charged with manslaughter, death by criminal negligences, escaping lawful custody and trafficking an opiod. He is being held in custody pending bail and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Haileybury on May 29.

The investigation remains ongoing with members of the Temiskaming Crime Unit and the North East Region Crime Team under the direction of Detective Inspector Laura Houliston of the Criminal Investigation Branch of the OPP.

“The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to supporting safe, healthy communities for all Ontarians,” Houliston  said. “Trafficking in opioids is a serious offence. Dealers are knowingly distributing products that cause harm and/or death. The OPP will continue to investigate opioid related deaths and is focused on apprehending those responsible.”

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Temiskaming OPP at 705-647-8400. You may also call the OPP toll free at 1-888-310-1122 or contact your nearest police authority.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.tipsubmit.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.