OPP ride program yields large quantity of drugs
Two people have been arrested and charged with drug offences after being stopped at a reduce impaired driving everywhere (RIDE) program in Espanola.
On October 5, shortly after 12 am, members of the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE program on Centre Street in Espanola.
A vehicle was stopped as it was determined the driver was wanted. A search of the vehicle lead to the seizure of over 870 grams of suspected Fentanyl and over 95 grams of suspected cocaine. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is approximately $364,000.
As a result of the investigation, Luc Mayville, a 51-year-old from Elliot Lake has been charged with possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking opioid (other than heroin), possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failure to comply with release order, other than to attend court.
Monique Frank, 55 years old of Sudbury has been charged with possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking opioid (other than heroine) possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Robert Walsh, detachment commander of the Manitoulin OPP told the Expositor, “This was a great stop by the officers, through the RIDE program. I was extremely happy to see this made.” He explained, “taking 1.2 pounds of suspected fentanyl off the road, when all it takes is a very small amount to kill a person, is substantial. And that amount of narcotics being taken off the road curtails some issues down the road and possible overdoses.”
The accused were remanded into custody and were scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on October 12.
