Licence plate alert on Hwy. 11 leads to 10 criminal charges

A suspended driver flagged by an automated plate reader on Highway 11 in Cochrane netted OPP drugs, an imitation handgun and $2,500 in cash.

A 40-year-old woman from Cochrane, Ont., is facing ten charges following a traffic stop initiated by an automated licence plate reader alert earlier this month.

Ontario Provincial Police conducted the stop on Highway 11 West in Cochrane at about 3:40 p.m. on Nov. 19, after the alert indicated the registered owner of the vehicle was a suspended driver.

“Police confirmed the driver to be the registered owner and confirmed they had multiple driving suspensions, including a Criminal Code prohibition, was found to be suspended for multiple reasons,” said OPP in a news release.

Imitation firearm, drugs, cash seized

During a search following the driver’s arrest, officers located a quantity of suspected fentanyl on the woman.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of approximately $2,500 in cash, an imitation handgun and additional quantities of drugs suspected to be cocaine and fentanyl.

As a result of the investigation, the local woman was charged with possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of property obtained by crime, three counts of drug trafficking, operation while prohibited, two counts of driving while under suspension and failing to comply with a probation order.

“The vehicle was impounded for 45 days as a result of the criminal driving suspension,” said police.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.