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Drug and trafficking charges laid after a traffic stop

After pulling the vehicle over, the driver was found to have a suspended license
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Patrol Services officers charged Joseph Pauze with possession of controlled substance for purpose of trafficking, after a traffic stop.

The accused was found to be in possession of over $10,000 worth of fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine.

The Sault Ste. Marie police press release available below.

On Oct. 7, 2021, officers with Patrol Services charged 56-year-old Joseph Pauze with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Around 12:30 p.m., officers observed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign and initiated a traffic stop in the 300 block of St. George’s Avenue. Upon approaching the vehicle the accused identified himself to officers and said he was a suspended driver.

Further investigation revealed he is a suspended driver. He was arrested and a subsequent search found the accused to be in possession of a purple substance believed to be fentanyl, and green/brown substance believed to be fentanyl, totaling approximately 20.22 grams and approximately 2.2 grams of a substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the narcotics seized is $10,313.

He is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. He was released by way of an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on December 8, 2021.