A concerned community member’s call about a possible impaired driver Dec. 1 led to a drug bust and multiple charges.
Just before 5 p.m. that evening, Greater Sudbury Police received a call from a concerned community member regarding a woman operating a motor vehicle in an erratic manner, with a male passenger, travelling eastbound on MR 35 in Greater Sudbury.
The information provided was that the woman was crossing over both lanes of traffic, almost driving into the ditch, and appeared to be having trouble keeping her head up.
Police located the vehicle at 5:09 p.m. on Lorne Street, and initiated a traffic stop.
When officers spoke with the woman, she showed signs of impairment. They also observed several pieces of burnt and crumpled tinfoil on the floor of the vehicle near her feet.
Officers then conducted a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) on the woman, resulting in her being arrested for impaired driving. A Drug Recognition Evaluation was later conducted confirming that she was Impaired by drugs.
Officers proceeded to conduct a preliminary search of the vehicle, and a large quantity of drug paraphernalia was located. During this time, the male passenger of the vehicle began to flee on foot.
After a short foot pursuit, officers arrested the man and subsequently discovered a large quantity of cash as well as Fentanyl on his person.
Officers completed a search of the vehicle and seized all items believed to be drugs, drug paraphernalia or evidence of drug trafficking. The following drugs were seized:
• 87.63 grams of suspected Fentanyl
• 2.82 grams of suspected Crystal Meth
• 2.01 grams of suspected Crack Cocaine
The total value of the drugs seized is $35,532. In addition, police also seized five rounds of .556 caliber bullets, a digital scale, several cellphones and $2,090 in cash.
A 36-year-old woman was charged as a result of the incident with the following offences:
• Operation While Impaired – Drug
• Three counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Obstruct Peace Officer
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
She was also charged with Driving while Under Suspension, under the Highway Traffic Act.
A 23-year-old man was charged with the following offences:
• Three counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
• Obstruct Peace Officer
• Possession of Ammunition
Both suspects appeared in bail court Dec. 2 to answer to the charges, and have been remanded into custody. The female suspect will appear in bail court again Dec. 5 and the male suspect on Dec. 6.
“We wish to thank the community member who called 911 upon witnessing an impaired driver,” said Greater Sudbury Police, in a press release.
“We continue to urge community members to call 911 when you see an impaired driver and to provide as much information as possible regarding the make, model and licence plate of the vehicle, as well as the direction of travel. Your call could save lives.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS, online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com.
