Traffic stop leads to drug trafficking charges

(WALDEN, ON) – Accused arrested at a traffic stop approximately one hour after they were released from custody.

On February 7, 2023, at approximately 4:43 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment (Espanola) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting general law enforcement duties on Highway 17 in Walden.

A taxi traveling eastbound was stopped for a traffic violation.

During the investigation, police recognized two of the passengers from a drug related incident that occurred on February 6, 2023. The one passenger had been released following a bail hearing at approximately 4:00 p.m., where they were placed on a no communication order with the other passenger. Police located and seized approximately 87 grams of suspected Opioids (Fentanyl), approximately 35 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, approximately 20 grams of suspected Cocaine, and approximately .5 grams of suspected Heroin.

As a result of the investigation, two people were arrested and charged.

Trevor SMALLING, 20-years-old, from North York was charged with:

• Failure to comply with release order – other than attend court, contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC)
• Possession of a Schedule I substance – Heroin, contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid (other than heroin), contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
• Possession of a Schedule I substance – Cocaine, contrary to section 5(1) of the CDSA

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Virtual Bail Court in Sudbury on February 8, 2023, and was remanded into custody.

Payton ATAWISH, 25-years-old, from Sheguiandah First Nation was charged with:

• Failure to comply with undertaking, contrary to section 145(4)(a) of the CC
• Possession of a Schedule I substance – Heroin, contrary to section 4(1) of the CDSA
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid (other than heroin), contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
• Possession of a Schedule I substance – Cocaine, contrary to section 5(1) of the CDSA

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Virtual Bail Court in Sudbury on February 8, 2023, and was remanded in custody.