5 Quebec residents face 22 charges after northern Ont. gun bust

The back of a police vehicle with officers visible in the background. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

Five people from Quebec are facing a combined 22 charges after Ontario Provincial Police discovered a loaded firearm during a traffic stop on Highway 101 near Matheson.

The incident occurred shortly before midnight on July 1, when officers with OPP’s South Porcupine detachment pulled over a vehicle.

Authorities said in a news release Wednesday evening that their investigation led to the discovery of a loaded firearm inside the vehicle.

Multiple arrests, 22 charges laid

The driver, a 20-year-old man from Laval, Que., was charged with forgery, impersonation with intent to avoid arrest, occupying a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, drug possession (cocaine,) obstructing a peace officer, driving with cannabis readily available, and speeding.

A 19-year-old man also from Laval was charged with possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, obstructing a peace officer and three counts of failing to comply with a release order.

A 30-year-old woman from Lasalle, Que., was charged with occupying a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of a weapon and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm.

A 22-year-old from Beaconsfield, Que., faces charges of possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm and occupying a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited weapon.

A 17-year-old from Ste-Julienne, Que., was charged with possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, occupying a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited weapon and unauthorized possession of a weapon.

All five individuals were held in police custody pending bail hearings.

In a related social media post, acting OPP Sgt. Michelle Simard highlighted the arrests as a victories for “public safety” and “crime prevention.”