New Year’s Day traffic stop leads to drug charges: OPP

OPP says a 39-year-old from White Sand First Nation is facing drug trafficking charges after a New Year's Day traffic stop in northwestern Ontario.

A traffic stop in northwestern Ontario on New Year’s Day has resulted in a drug trafficking charge against an area resident.

“On January 1st, members of the Armstrong detachment conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in Armstrong,” said OPP Sgt. Kyle Arnold said in a social media video Saturday.

The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on Airport Road, Ontario Provincial Police confirmed in a news release on Monday.

OPP said the stop was part of an ongoing investigation into the trafficking of illicit drugs in Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation.

Officers seized suspected crack cocaine, cash and various drug-related paraphernalia.

As a result of the investigation, a 39-year-old woman from Whitesand First was charged with drug trafficking and possession of proceeds obtained by crime.

The accused was held for a bail hearing and later released. She is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 20.

Appeal for assistance

Following the incident, OPP issued a direct appeal to the public for assistance in combating the local drug trade.

“If you have information on individuals poisoning your community with these drugs, contact Crime Stoppers,” said Arnold.

“If you have information on individuals dealing these harmful drugs to your friends and family in our communities, please contact Crime Stoppers,” added OPP in an accompanying social media post.