Technology, teamwork lead to major drug bust in North Bay

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North Bay police chase, arrest GTA pair with $64K in cocaine

Captured on Camera: North Bay police pursue, arrest two suspects

Two men from southern Ontario are in custody after a police operation involving an automated licence plate reader (ALPR) and a drone led to the seizure of more than $64,000 in cocaine.

The incident began shortly before noon on Tuesday.

“A member of the North Bay Police Service patrol section attempted to stop a vehicle following a suspended driver alert from an ALPR in the area of Lakeshore Drive and Judge Avenue,” said the police service in a news release Wednesday.

The driver then fled at a high rate of speed.

Police said that in the interest of public safety, a vehicle pursuit was not initiated.

The vehicle, a white 2018 BMW sedan, was found a short time later abandoned and stuck in snow near College Drive.

Suspects tracked by drone

Police said two suspects were then located and tracked through a wooded area with the assistance of a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), commonly known as a drone.

“Surveillance from the above allowed officers to safely track and apprehend both individuals,” said police.

“As officers approached, both suspects attempted to flee on foot, discarding several items into the snow.”

Those items were later recovered with the help of an Ontario Provincial Police canine unit. The search led to the seizure of 643 grams of cocaine, $2,300 in cash and the BMW.

Police estimated the street value of the drugs seized as $64,000.

Multiple charges laid

A 25-year-old man from Newmarket, Ont., and a 33-year-old man from Woodbridge, Ont., have both been charged with drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

The younger man faces several additional charges, including flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving with cannabis readily available and breaching the conditions of his G1 licence by driving unaccompanied.

Police credited the integrated use of technology for the safe arrest and significant seizure.

“The use of technology enhances our ability to pursue suspects while keeping our community and our officers safer,” said acting Deputy Chief Jeff Warner.

“ALPR and RPAS tools are significantly contributing to successful arrests, and in this case helped us seize another $64,000 worth of cocaine destined for our community.”

Both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.

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