Two people face drug charges after a Jan. 4 investigation by officers with Sault Ste. Marie Police Patrol Services, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Unit.
Around 1:30 a.m., officers patrolling Bay Street saw a vehicle with very dark tinted windows and conducted a traffic stop. Upon speaking with the driver and passenger, officers developed grounds to believe there was cannabis within immediate reach of the driver. Both accused were placed under investigative detention under the Cannabis Control Act.
A search of the vehicle—and later, a search of the accused—located approximately 58 grams of suspected cocaine, drug packaging materials, a digital scale, multiple cannabis products, alcohol, and approximately $2,000 in Canadian currency. These items, along with the vehicle, were seized. The estimated street value of drugs seized is $5,800.
Both accused were arrested.
Charged is Tyler Clarke, 39, with:
- Possession of Schedule 1 substance for purpose of trafficking
- Possession of property obtained by crime
Aaron Gridzak, 41, is charged with:
- Possession of Schedule 1 substance for purpose of trafficking
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Drive with window coated – view obstructed (under the Highway Traffic Act)
- Obstruct plate (under the Highway Traffic Act)
- No clear view to front (under the Highway Traffic Act)
- Drive without proper rear light – motor vehicle (under the Highway Traffic Act)
- Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available (under the Liquor Licence and Control Act)
- Have care or control of vehicle with cannabis readily available (under the Cannabis Control Act)
Both were held in custody pending a bail hearing.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and both individuals are considered innocent unless proven guilty.