OPP stop near Manitoba border yields drugs, weapons, charges

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is seen on a road in northwestern Ontario in this police image. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

Two individuals from Western Canada are facing multiple charges after Ontario Provincial Police conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 earlier this month.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle just east of the Manitoba border in the Township of Ewart shortly after 1 a.m. on March 11.

“After speaking with the driver, officers noted cannabis readily available and initiated an investigation,” OPP said in a news release.

The subsequent investigation led to the seizure of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, as well as knives, a BB gun, an illegal licence plate cover and other items.

A 40-year-old woman from Elbow, Sask., who was the driver, and her passenger, a 22-year-old man from Camrose, Alta., have been charged.

Both individuals face charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose and drug trafficking.

The driver faces additional charges, including drug possession, having care or control of a vehicle with cannabis readily available, driving without proper headlights, driving with an obstructed windshield and failing to surrender an insurance card.

The passenger is also charged with failing to comply with a probation order.

Both accused are scheduled to appear in court in Kenora at a later date.