Two people are facing charges after a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere spot check resulted in police seizing almost $50,000 in cocaine.
The spot check took place at approximately 12 a.m. on March 21, at the Little Current Swing Bridge on Meredith Street.
The Manitoulin Detachment of the OPP and the United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission Canine Unit conducted the spot check.
A reportedly uninsured vehicle came through the spot check, driven by someone without a licence, prompting an investigation.
Police service dog Ben helped his colleagues locate the suspected drugs.
Police found $49,000 of suspected cocaine, approximately $650 of suspected crack cocaine, approximately $450 in Canadian currency and an axe.
The driver, a 31-year-old from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, was charged with:
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - other drugs
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - opioid
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Failure to comply with release order - two counts
- Operate motor vehicle without insurance
- Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor
- Drive motor vehicle - no licence
- Drive motor vehicle - not equipped with ignition interlock device
The passenger, a 26-year-old from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, was charged with:
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - other drugs
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - opioid
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Both accused were scheduled to appear in court later that day..
"Through ongoing enforcement initiatives in conjunction with our Indigenous policing partners, we are making significant strides in taking illicit drugs out of our communities,” OPP Insp. Robert Walsh said in a media release. “These partnerships enhance our ability to effectively police the communities we serve and are crucial to achieving public safety."