KAPUSKASING - An early morning traffic stop led to the seizure of illicit drugs and switchblades, with the driver being charged with impaired and all of the people in the vehicle facing trafficking offences.
On Jan. 4 around 1 a.m., James Bay OPP pulled over a vehicle on Riverside Drive in Kapuskasing.
The officer spotted a bag of what is believed to be cocaine and determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. The driver was arrested and brought to the Kapuskasing detachment for testing.
The four passengers were also arrested. During the investigation, police seized suspected crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, dilaudid and morphine, along with cell phones, scales and two switchblades.
A 49-year-old man from Hearst is charged with:
- Operation while impaired - drugs
- Failure or refusal to comply with demand
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - methamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - oxycodone
- Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor
He was released from police custody after a Jan. 6 bail hearing and is slated to appear in court again on Jan.13 in Kapuskasing. His driver's licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
A 31-year-old from Constance Lake is charged with:
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - methamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - oxycodone
- Fail to comply with probation order
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose - two counts
- Obstruct peace officer
The accused remains in police custody and has a court date on Jan. 13 in Kapuskasing.
A 47-year-old man from Constance Lake is charged with:
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - methamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - oxycodone
The accused was released from custody on Jan. 6 after a bail hearing and appears in a Kapuskasing court on Jan. 13.
A 34-year-old from Constance Lake is charged with:
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - methamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - oxycodone
The accused is still in police custody and is scheduled to appear in a Kapuskasing court on Jan. 13.
A 38-year-old woman from Hearst is charged with:
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - methamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - oxycodone
- Fail to comply with a release order
She remains in police custody and is slated to appear in court on Jan. 13 in Kapuskasing.
None of the charges have been tested in court and all of the accused are considered innocent unless proven guilty.