A Nov. 9 traffic stop on Jacklin Road in Espanola turned into a major drug bust for the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police detachment.
At around 7 p.m. on Nov. 9, OPP received a traffic complaint about a possible impaired driver in a pickup truck on Highway 17 near Nairn Centre, police said in a news release.
OPP located the truck on Jacklin Road in Espanola and pulled it over.
“While speaking to the driver police determined alcohol had been consumed and the driver was transported to the McKerrow detachment for further testing,” police said.
In searching the vehicle, the release said officers located more than 660 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $66,000, and three suspected oxycodone pills with an estimated street value of $45.
The 30-year-old driver from Wiikwemkoong is charged with:
- Operation while impaired - drugs
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - opioid (other than heroine)
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available
- Drive motor vehicle, fail to display two plates
- Drive motor vehicle, no permit
- Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
The accused had a Nov. 10 court date and was remanded into custody.
“The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don't hesitate to ‘MAKE THE CALL’ and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone's life.”
