Four charged after stolen vehicle alert leads to drug seizure: North Bay police

North Bay police seized more than $9K in drugs, brass knuckles and a pellet gun after the automatic licence plate reader flagged a stolen vehicle.

A stolen vehicle alert from an automated licence plate recognition system led police in North Bay to seize drugs with an estimated street value of more than $8,500 and charges for four individuals.

The North Bay Police Service said an officer received an automated licence plate recognition (ALPR) alert for a stolen vehicle on Feb. 6.

Police said officers located the vehicle at an accommodation in the 200 block of McIntyre Street West. Officers said they observed two people enter a unit and their subsequent investigation led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle.

Police said they seized 572 grams of methamphetamine in both pill and crystalized form, 17 grams of cocaine and 19 OxyContin pills.

Investigators also recovered brass knuckles, a Glock-style BB gun and $860 in cash along with the stolen Ford F250.

Valuable tool

“Automated licence plate recognition technology is a valuable investigative tool that helps our members quickly identify vehicles of interest in real time,” said acting Insp. Vincent Corrente in a news release.

“In this case, the alert, combined with strong investigative work by our patrol section, led to a quick and coordinated response.”

Four charged

As a result of the investigation, a 31-year-old man from West Nipissing, a 35-year-old woman from Swastika, a 50-year-old man from North Bay and a 59-year-old woman from Hilliardton have each been charged with three counts of drug trafficking.

The West Nipissing man faces additional charges of possession of a prohibited device and two counts of possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime. The Swastika woman also faces two charges of failing to comply with a release order and the North Bay man is also charged with possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

Three of the individuals charged were held in custody pending a bail hearing. The North Bay man was released on an undertaking with a court date of April 21.