Traffic stop leads to weapons and drug charges
The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged three individuals following a traffic stop on June 27.
On June 27 at shortly after 11 pm, Manitoulin OPP officers were patrolling Highway 17 when they observed a speeding vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
During the stop, police determined that two of the vehicle occupants were in violation of court orders and were subsequently arrested.
Police conducted a search and located a handgun, ammunition and drugs suspected to be fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $55,000.
As a result of the investigation, three people were charged.
Kaylem Alexander, 21, from Belleville was charged with possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking, cocaine, possession of schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking, opioid (other than heroin), fail to comply with probation order, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm and speeding 1-49 kilometres over the posted limit. The accused was remanded into custody and was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on June 30.
Jahsiah Mercury, 18, from Scarborough was 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), six counts of failure to comply with release order, other than to attend court, obstruct a peace officer, knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of a firearm knowing the serial number has been tampered with, occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order.
The accused was remanded into custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on July 20.
A 16-year-old person from Etobicoke was 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), occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm and failure to comply with undertaking.
The accused was remanded into custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury at a later date.
Sudbury woman charged with impaired driving in NEMI
A 26-year-old Sudbury woman was charged with impaired driving by the Manitoulin Island detachment of the OPP on June 22, one of 34 impaired charges that have been laid in the Manitoulin-Espanola area since the beginning of the year.
Shortly before 2 pm on June 22, the Manitoulin OPP received a traffic complaint regarding a possible impaired driver on Harbourview Road in the town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI).
OPP said the suspect vehicle was located and police conducted a traffic stop. It was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages and was arrested for impaired driving, then transported to the OPP detachment for further tests.
The 26-year-old Sudbury woman was charged with operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs, and operation of a motorized vehicle while impaired, having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.080 plus milligrams.
The accused person was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on July 26.
Criminal charges pending following investigation into theft of firearms
As a result of an extensive investigation into the report of a theft of a firearm in the community, Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) officers have located and seized two outstanding firearms. Criminal charges are pending.
On Sunday, May 7 at approximately 10:45 pm, WTPS received a call of a theft. The investigation revealed the theft of a firearm from a residence on Kaboni Street in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT).
“We remind people to ensure their firearms are locked and stored correctly, if not they could face criminal charges. Under section 5(1) an individual may store a non-restricted firearm only if it is unloaded, it is rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device, rendered inoperable by the removal of the bolt or bolt-carrier or stored in a container, receptacle or room that is kept securely locked and that is constructed so that it cannot readily be broken or into; and if it is not readily accessible to ammunition, unless the ammunition is stored, together with or separately from the firearm, in an container or receptacle that is kept securely locked and that is constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into.
Anyone with information pertaining to this or any other investigation is asked to contact the Wikwemikong Police Service at 705-859-3141. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or access their website at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
