Northern Ont. driver blows two stop signs, now faces impaired, drug charges

Ontario Provincial Police stopped a vehicle on Main Street in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township on June 29, 2025, after it failed to stop for two stop signs. (Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A 41-year-old man from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory faces multiple charges, including impaired driving and drug possession, after Ontario Provincial Police stopped a vehicle for failing to obey stop signs last month.

Authorities said officers observed the driver ignore a stop sign at the intersection of George Street and Young Street in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township shortly before 11 p.m. on June 29. “The vehicle was followed by police and subsequently failed to stop at a second stop sign before being pulled over on Main Street,” OPP said in a news release.

Drugs, weapons charges laid

Police arrested the driver for impaired operation and a search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately $3,500 in suspected drugs – including cocaine with an estimated street value of $1,600, methamphetamine believed to be worth $1,400 and an estimated $500 in crack cocaine.

The accused was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, failure to comply with an undertaking, three counts of drug possession, two counts of drug trafficking, two counts of disobeying a stop sign, two counts of driving while under suspension, impaired driving and driving with liquor readily available.

Under provincial legislation, the motorist received 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days at the owner’s expense.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court in Espanola on Aug. 5.

‘Make the call’

OPP also urged the public to report suspected impaired drivers in its post.

“The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving,” said OPP. “If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to ‘Make the Call’ and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.”