Spot checks on Manitoulin Island uncover $49K in drugs, axe, cash

A RIDE check helped police seize more than $49,000 worth of drugs on Manitoulin Island leading to two arrests.

Two people from Wiikwemkoong have been charged with drug trafficking and other offences after a roadside check early Friday uncovered a cache of illegal drugs.

Ontario Provincial Police and the canine unit from the United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission stopped a vehicle at midnight at the Swing Bridge in Little Current.

While checking a vehicle, the police dog, named Ben, and his handler uncovered drugs believed to be cocaine worth $49,000, crack cocaine worth $650, $450 in cash and an axe.

The 31-year-old driver is charged with weapons possession, trafficking and drug possession, two counts of failing to comply with a release order, driving without insurance, driving with open liquor, and driving without a licence.

The passenger, 26, is charged with weapons possession, drug possession and trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Significant strides

Both accused were scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 21.

“Through ongoing enforcement initiatives in conjunction with our Indigenous policing partners, we are making significant strides in taking illicit drugs out of our communities,” Insp. Robert Walsh, Manitoulin OPP commander, is quoted as saying in the release.

“These partnerships enhance our ability to effectively police the communities we serve and are crucial to achieving public safety.”