Officers find both open alcohol and cannabis during Hwy. 94 traffic stop: OPP

An Ontario Provincial Police image illustrating impaired operation charges. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A 63-year-old Bracebridge man is facing multiple charges, including impaired driving, following a traffic stop on Highway 94 in Callander.

Ontario Provincial Police said officers were conducting patrols on the highway at about 6 p.m. on July 15, when they observed a vehicle weaving within its lane and crossing the centre line.

Traffic stop leads to arrest

“Officers conducted a traffic stop and while speaking with the driver, observed signs of alcohol impairment,” said OPP in a news release Friday.

The driver was taken into custody and transported to the North Bay OPP Detachment for further testing.

“During a search incident to arrest, officers located open alcohol and cannabis within the vehicle,” said police.

Charges laid

As a result of the investigation, the motorist has been charged with driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available, driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor and two impaired driving offences – including operation with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

In addition to the charges, the man’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court in North Bay on Sept. 1.

Police remind public to plan ahead

Const. Kyler Brouwer also addressed the incident in a social media post, emphasizing the avoidable nature of impaired driving.

“Impaired driving is entirely preventable,” he wrote.

“If you plan to consume alcohol or drugs, arrange a safe ride home before you leave.”

“Drive sober,” added OPP in the post.