Northern Ont. traffic stop leads to 3 arrests, 65 charges, thousands in cash, drugs seized

Manitoulin OPP found a handgun, taser, knife and more than $17,000 in cash and suspected after pulling over an erratic driver Tuesday night.

Three individuals are facing numerous weapons and drug-related charges after Ontario Provincial Police seized a handgun, a taser and suspected narcotics during a traffic stop in Sheguiandah last week.

At about 8 p.m. on July 23, officers observed a vehicle swerving onto the shoulder of Highway 6 and struggling to maintain a consistent speed. Police conducted a traffic stop, leading to all three occupants of the vehicle being taken into custody.

More than $17,500 in cash, drugs seized

During the investigation, authorities confiscated a handgun, a taser, a knife, suspected fentanyl valued at approximately $5,600, suspected cocaine worth an estimated $4,800, an amount of suspected psilocybin and approximately $7,200 in cash.

65 charges laid

As a result, all three are charged with unauthorized possession of a weapon, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, four counts of careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, five other firearm or weapon-related offences and three counts of drug trafficking.

The driver, a 29-year-old man from Ojibways of Sucker Creek First Nation, was additionally charged with failure to comply with a release order, possession of a prohibited device for a dangerous purpose and possession of prohibited ammunition for a dangerous purpose.

One passenger, a 41-year-old man from Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township, faces further charges, including three counts of failure to comply with a release order, an allegation of breaching a conditional sentence, possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and three other firearm or weapon related offences.

The other passenger, a 43-year-old woman from Sudbury was also charged with two counts of possession of a prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose and another weapon-related offence.

All three accused remain in custody with their next court appearance scheduled for Aug. 1.

“You can help support and contribute to the safety of your community,” OPP said in the news release Wednesday. “If you have knowledge of criminal activity, take action confidentially by contacting Crime Stoppers.”