Seven people facing drug charges as a result of a search warrant had their charges withdrawn in Provincial Court on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
The charges stemmed from a joint investigation with Cobourg and Port Hope Police that stated in a release on July 3, 2025 that there were multiple arrest and a $40,000 drug seizure.
“During the spring and summer months of 2025, Port Hope Police Service and Cobourg Police Service Criminal Investigations Branch initiated a joint investigation into the trafficking of Schedule I substances within the communities of Cobourg and Port Hope,” stated the release.
“On July 3, 2025, officers from the Port Hope and Cobourg Police Investigation Branches, with support from their respective Primary Response Units and the Belleville Police Service K9 Unit, executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant at a residence on Ravensdale Road in the west end of Cobourg.”
The press released stated that, “a substantial quantity of illicit substances and offence-related property” was seized including:
Seven people including Karen Wells, Patricia Wells, Jason Ivany, Jessica Rouse, Christopher Jibb, Mandy Casteels, and Roxanne Firlotte faced a total of 38 charges including:
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Oxycodone (s.5(2))
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine (s.5(2))
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Crack Cocaine (s.5(2))
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl (s.5(2))
Possession of a Schedule IV substance for the purpose of trafficking – Clonazepam (s.5(2))
All accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing with some spending months in jail.
“This investigation highlights the ongoing commitment of local police services to target and disrupt drug trafficking operations that threaten community safety,” stated the release.
In Provincial Court on November 5, 2025 all charges against the seven accused were withdrawn.
“Today the Crown withdrew all charges against all accused as a result of the certificates of analysts on the drugs coming back as sodium bicarbonate, naproxen or its salts, clonazepam and a couple (small amount) cocaine – no fentanyl,” stated Defense lawyer Jenna DiLorenzo.
Today’s Northumberland has reached out to Cobourg Police for comment.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
