Two charged with drug trafficking after Sudbury traffic stop

An undated photo of two Greater Sudbury Police Service vehicles blocking a roadway. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Two people are in custody facing a series of charges, including drug trafficking, after a traffic stop in Greater Sudbury on Sunday evening.

The Greater Sudbury Police Service said the incident began around 7:50 p.m. on Nov. 2, when officers recognized a vehicle that had been involved in a previous flight from police incident.

“Officers in a marked cruiser followed the vehicle until it was safe to conduct a traffic stop,” the police service said in a news release.

“Officers used two marked police cruisers to block the vehicle in while in a parking lot on Regent Street.”

Impairment, outstanding warrants discovered

Police said that while speaking with the driver, officers detected signs of impairment. Police also discovered the driver was wanted on two outstanding arrest warrants from the Ontario Provincial Police and was a suspended driver. The passenger was found to be breaching several release conditions.

After observing drug paraphernalia in plain sight inside the vehicle, both individuals were taken into custody.

A subsequent search of the individuals led to the seizure of more than 11 grams of what is believed to be fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $1,140.

“Due to the suspected impairment of the driver, a drug recognition expert completed an evaluation and determined the driver was impaired by drugs,” said police.

Multiple charges laid

The 32-year-old female driver has been charged with drug trafficking, impaired driving, operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, driving while under suspension, personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice, failing to comply with a probation order and failing to comply with a release order.

Beyond the charges, under provincial law, the driver also received an additional 90-day licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days.

Additionally, the 30-year-old male passenger has been charged with drug trafficking, obstructing a peace officer and failing to comply with a release order.

Both individuals were held in custody and were scheduled to appear in bail court on Monday.

The police service praised the officers involved.

“We would like to commend the responding officers for their diligence in ensuring the safe apprehension of two high-risk individuals,” read the news release.