Unresponsive driver in North Bay faces impaired, drug trafficking charges

An undated image of a North Bay Police Service vehicle parked outside of the city's police headquaters. (File photo/North Bay Police Service/X)

A 36-year-old local woman is in custody facing multiple charges, including impaired driving and drug trafficking, after North Bay police found her unresponsive in a vehicle last week.

The North Bay Police Service said members responded to a report of an unresponsive driver in the parking lot of a business on Algonquin Avenue at about 7:30 a.m. on March 6.

“Officers located the driver in the vehicle and observed suspected illicit drugs within reach of the driver, prompting further investigation,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

Police said the driver was transported to hospital as a precaution and that officers at the scene observed signs of impairment.

“A drug recognition expert conducted an assessment, and the driver was deemed to be impaired,” police said.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of illicit drugs and cash.

“During a lawful search, officers located a quantity of schedule I substances,” police said.

Investigators reported seizing five grams of fentanyl, two grams of crystal methamphetamine, 18 hydromorphone pills and $443 in cash.

The accused has been charged with operation while impaired, possession of property obtained by crime and three drug trafficking offences.

The woman was arrested and held in custody pending a bail hearing.