3 charged after drug bust following Elliot Lake traffic stop

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle is shown in shadow with its blue and red lights flashing in this police image, indicating the East Algoma detachment is involved. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

Three people are facing drug-related charges after an Ontario Provincial Police traffic stop in Elliot Lake on Friday.

OPP said officers stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction on Ontario Avenue at about noon on Nov. 28.

“Once stopped, (a) passenger was observed with a grinder and cannabis in hand,” said police in a news release.

All three occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody and a search of the vehicle was conducted.

Cash, cocaine and phones seized

Police said the search resulted in the seizure of approximately 132 grams of suspected cocaine, almost $3,000 in cash, numerous cell phones and suspected cannabis along with drug trafficking paraphernalia. A photo accompanying the news release also showed suspected drugs in a Pablo Escobar baggy.

As a result of the investigation, the driver, a 25-year-old man from Hamilton, was charged with drug trafficking, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, driving with cannabis readily available and failing to have his insurance card.

A 25-year-old woman from Hamilton, who was a passenger, was charged with drug trafficking and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime.

Both accused individuals from Hamilton were held in custody pending a court appearance in Blind River on Saturday.

A third occupant of the vehicle, a 54-year-old man from Elliot Lake, was also charged with drug trafficking and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime. He is scheduled to appear in court in Elliot Lake on Jan. 15.