OPP lay impaired driving, drug charges after Hwy 17 traffic stop

An undated police image of an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser in a rural area. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A routine traffic stop for speeding on Highway 17 has resulted in multiple charges for a North Bay man, including impaired operation and drug possession.

The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. on March 2, when an Ontario Provincial Police officer stopped a vehicle, police say was observed travelling 113 km/h in a posted 90 km/h zone on Highway 17 in Pedley Township, west of North Bay.

“During the stop, the officer observed a bag containing suspected cocaine,” OPP said in a news release Wednesday.

Police said the officer also noted signs consistent with drug impairment, as a result the driver was taken into custody and transported to the Cache Bay OPP Detachment in West Nipissing for further testing.

Following the investigation, the 51-year-old man from North Bay was charged with speeding, drug possession, possession of unmarked cigarettes and driving while under suspension along with impaired operation of a vehicle.

In addition to the charges, the motorist also received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and his vehicle was impounded for a minimum of 14 days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in North Bay on April 9.

Public reminder against impaired driving

OPP used the incident to reiterate that road safety is a shared responsibility.

“The OPP reminds motorists that impaired driving, whether by alcohol or drugs, puts everyone at risk,” said police.

OPP are asking anyone who suspects a driver is impaired to call 911 and report it.