Three people are facing charges after a traffic stop in Espanola led to Manitoulin OPP officers discovering drugs, $5,000 in cash, a knife and an axe in the vehicle.
In a news release, OPP officers said were conducting a general patrol on Jan. 20 on Highway 6 in Espanola. At approximately 5:45 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen license plate by the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system.
The traffic stop resulted in police searching the vehicle and ultimately, arresting the occupants.
Police said officers seized approximately nine grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $900, approximately .20 grams of suspected Fentanyl, (with an estimated street value of $60), approximately $5,000 of Canadian currency, an axe and a knife.
As a result, the driver, a 51-year-old man from Sudbury was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - drugs
- Possession of property obtained by Crime under $5,000
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Use plate not authorized for vehicle
- Driving while under suspension
- Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available
- Drive - no insurance
One passenger, a 52-year-old man from Dokis First Nation was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
The second passenger, a 48-year-old woman from M'Chigeeng First Nation was charged with:
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice
The three accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on March 10, 2025.
These allegations have not been proven in court and the accused are innocent unless proven guilty.