Sudbury motorcycle driver was ‘nodding off,’ was carrying coke and fentanyl

Sudbury police arrested a 54-year-old motorcyclist after a Sunday traffic stop turned up cocaine, fentanyl, cash and a collapsible baton.

Police in Greater Sudbury say a 54-year-old man has been charged after officers received a report of someone having trouble staying awake while driving a motorcycle.

The incident took place around 7:26 p.m. on July 19 in the New Sudbury area.

“The caller advised that a man operating a motorcycle appeared disoriented and was nodding off while riding,” police said in a July 20 news release.

“Patrol officers quickly canvassed the area and located the motorcycle matching the description provided. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop by activating their emergency lights and sirens. However, the rider failed to stop and fled the area.”

Fled the area

Police tracked him down a short time later, boxed him in, and he was taken into custody.

“During a search incident to arrest, officers located a collapsible baton, a large quantity of cash and a significant amount of suspected controlled substances,” police said.

“Officers also observed signs of drug impairment ... He was subsequently arrested for impaired operation. An evaluation conducted by a drug recognition expert determined that the man was impaired by drugs.”

It turned out that his driver’s licence had been suspended because of a previous criminal conviction.

Items police seized include 86 grams of cocaine, 15.6 grams of fentanyl, 3.4 grams of meth and nine suspected hydromorphone pills. No information was released on how much cash was seized.

Charges include five counts of drug trafficking, impaired driving, driving while prohibited, fleeing police, weapons offences and possession of property obtained by crime.

The man remains in police custody ahead of a bail hearing.

“Police would like to acknowledge the individual who reported the suspected impaired driver,” the release said.

“Reports from the public are instrumental in helping officers identify and remove impaired drivers from our roadways. Anyone who observes a driver they believe may be impaired is encouraged to call 911.”