FORT FRANCES – A traffic stop on a known suspended driver resulted in the arrest of two people and the seizure of a quantity of drugs, weapons and money.
On Aug. 31 at approximately 4:30 p.m. an officer with the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police stopped a vehicle in the 800 block of King's Highway after he recognized the suspended driver.
The driver was arrested on scene for the offence and a vehicle search was conducted.
The search uncovered a quantity of illegal substances, which resulted in an additional arrest for the driver as well as the arrest of the passenger.
As part of the investigation, police seized approximately $2,100 in combined Canadian and American currency, a quantity of suspected fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, and percocet tablets, approximately 400 unmarked cigarettes, open liquor, scale, and two collapsible batons similar to the kind carried by police.
A 52-year-old male from Fort Frances is charged with the following offences: Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (two counts) - Criminal Code, Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts) - Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 - Criminal Code, Drive while under suspension - Highway Traffic Act, Operate unsafe vehicle - Highway Traffic Act, Possess unmarked cigarettes for sale - Tobacco Tax Act, Sell unmarked cigarettes - no wholesaler permit - Tobacco Tax Act.
The accused is also charged with several documentation offences under the Highway Traffic Act.
He was remanded to custody on the Criminal Code and CDSA charges, and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on Sept. 3, for a bail hearing.
The remaining charges are scheduled to be spoken to on Nov. 8, in Provincial Offences Court in Fort Frances.
A 43-years-old female, of Fort Frances is charged with the following offences, Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose - Criminal Code, Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts) - Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 - Criminal Code.
The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on Nov. 4 to speak to the charges.
If you have information about this crime or any other related crime you can contact the Rainy River District OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous you can submit tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.tipshelp.com.
