Northern Ontario traffic stop leads to drug, weapon charges

An undated photo of an Ontario Provincial Police conducting a traffic stop. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

A traffic stop for a suspected prohibited driver in northern Ontario last month resulted in multiple criminal charges, including drug trafficking, after police seized suspected cocaine and a weapon.

The incident occurred on Mission Road in the Municipality of Wawa at about 11:50 a.m. on Oct. 27. Ontario Provincial Police officers conducted the stop in relation to a driver believed to be prohibited from operating a vehicle.

The incident

The driver was taken into custody at the scene.

During a search, police located more than $2,500 in cash.

“A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of over 40 grams of suspected cocaine, two digital scales and 3D-printed brass knuckles,” said OPP in a news release.

Police estimated the street value of the suspected drugs seized at $5,000.

Accused remanded into custody

As a result of the investigation, the 48-year-old local man was charged with drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of operating a vehicle while prohibited and failing to comply with a release order.

The accused appeared in bail court on Oct. 28 where he was remanded into custody to await trial.