City of Kawartha Lakes OPP – Firearms and Drug Trafficking Charges (Names Released)
The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP have charged four people in relation to a traffic stop on Highway 7 in Ops Township, with offences connected to firearms, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
On March 16, 2026, at approximately 12:29 p.m., officers conducted a vehicle stop on Highway 7 in Ops Township for an HTA infraction. During the investigation, officers arrested the driver and subsequently uncovered evidence related to firearms, prohibited devices, and CDSA offences. Multiple occupants were arrested and held for bail.
1) John Hickson, 42-year-old of Oakwood, has been charged with:
· Unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
· Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
· Possession of prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose
· Unauthorized possession of a weapon
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine
· Carry concealed prohibited device or ammunition
· Obstruct a peace officer
· Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
· Fail to comply with probation order
2) Michelle Tamlin, 28-year-old of Coboconk, has been charged with:
· Unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
· Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
· Possession of prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose
· Unauthorized possession of a weapon
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine
3) Jason Wright, 50-year-old of Ajax, has been charged with:
· Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution, or obstruct justice (identity fraud)
· Unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Unauthorized possession of a weapon
· Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
· Possession of prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose
· Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
· Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (×3)
· Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine
· Driving while under suspension
· Drive motor vehicle – no currently validated permit
· Fail to have insurance card
4) Kenny Reid, 48-year-old of South Frontenac Township, has been charged with:
· Owner permit motor vehicle to be operated without insurance
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP or Crime Stoppers.
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