NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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NAIRN-HYMAN TOWNSHIP, ON - The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged three individuals following a traffic stop.
On June 27, 2023, shortly after 11 p.m., the Manitoulin OPP were patrolling Highway 17 when they observed a speeding vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
During the stop, police determined that two of the vehicle occupants were in violation of court orders and were subsequently arrested.
Police conducted a search and located a handgun, ammunition and drugs suspected to be Fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $55,000.
As a result of the investigation, three people were charged.
Kaylem Alexander, 21 years old, from Belleville, was charged with:
- Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - opioid (other than heroin)
- Fail to comply with probation order
- Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
- Speeding 1-49 km/h over posted limit
The accused was remanded into custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on June 30, 2023.
Jahsiah Mercury, 18 years old, from Scarborough, was charged with:
- Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - opioid (other than heroin)
- Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court - six counts
- Obstruct peace officer
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
- Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
- Carrying concealed weapon
- Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
The accused was remanded into custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on July 20, 2023.
A 16-year-old person from Etobicoke was charged with:
- Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - opioid (other than heroin)
- Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
- Failure to comply with undertaking
The accused was remanded into custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on a later date.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: None of the allegations have been tested in court and the accused is considered innocent unless proven guilty.