Sudbury police seize $62K in drugs after impaired driving complaint

A complaint of an impaired driver in Azilda leads to a Chelmsford traffic stop and a drug seizure. Sudbury police seized an estimated $62K in suspected cocaine.

A 22-year-old Sudbury man faces multiple charges after police say officers acting on a report of an erratic driver on Tuesday evening seized more than $62,000 in suspected cocaine and determined the driver was impaired.

Greater Sudbury Police Service said it received a complaint around 5:55 p.m. on April 7 about an alleged impaired driver operating a vehicle erratically on Municipal Road 35 in Azilda.

Traffic stop leads to arrest

“Officers were provided with a description of the vehicle and the licence plate and were able to locate the vehicle in Chelmsford,” police said in a news release.

Police said that after locating the vehicle, officers conducted a traffic stop and began speaking with the driver.

“While speaking with the driver, officers saw what is believed to be illicit drugs inside the vehicle in plain view,” police said.

The driver was then placed under arrest.

Driver showed signs of impairment

“During this time, officers noted that the driver exhibited signs of impairment. Officers conducted a standard field sobriety test, during which the driver performed poorly,” police said.

The driver was then transported to police headquarters, where police say a drug recognition expert conducted an examination confirming that the driver was impaired by drugs.

Drugs, phones & packaging materials seized

During a search incident to arrest, officers located 624 grams of suspected cocaine inside the vehicle.

Officers also located multiple cellular phones and drug-packaging materials.

“The estimated value of the drugs is $62,470.”

Charged and released

As a result, the local man has been charged with drug trafficking, dangerous operation of a vehicle, impaired driving, failing to surrender the permit for a motor vehicle and possessing more than one driver’s licence.

In addition to the charges, the motorist was issued a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The man was released on an undertaking with a court date of May 20 to answer to the charges.