3 charged, $14K in drugs seized in Manitoulin Island traffic stop

An Automated Licence Plate Recognition device is shown in this undated police image. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A routine traffic stop on Manitoulin Island has resulted in the seizure of over $14,000 in suspected drugs and criminal charges for three individuals.

Ontario Provincial Police said the stop occurred on Highway 551 in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Monday at about 11 a.m. Officers were alerted by an Automated Licence Plate Recognition system, which identified a wanted person associated with the vehicle.

An investigation was initiated with assistance from the United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission, leading to three people being taken into custody.

Authorities said officers seized suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $11,400, suspected crack cocaine valued at $3,200 and about $650 in cash from the vehicle.

As a result of the incident and subsequent investigation, the driver, a 28-year-old man, and two women passengers, ages 58 and 26, all from M’Chigeeng First Nation, were each charged with three counts of drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

The driver faces an additional charge of failing to comply with a release order. The two passengers were each additionally charged with drug possession.

The driver and the 58-year-old woman attended bail court on Tuesday and remain in custody. The 26-year-old woman is scheduled to appear in court in Gore Bay on Oct. 7.