Suspected cocaine seized during traffic stop
Two people are facing charges after a traffic stop on Highway 6 between Little Current and Sheguiandah.
On February 13, 2025, at approximately 3:45 pm, the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was alerted to a possible suspended driver detected by the automated licence plate recognition (ALPR) system. Police conducted a traffic stop on Highway 6 in the Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI). Further investigation resulted in the driver and passenger being arrested.
Additionally, police seized approximately 17 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $1,700.
As a result, the driver, Lance Shawana, 38 years old and the passenger, Amy Assinewai, 42 years old, both from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, were both charged with possession of a schedule one substance, cocaine.
The two accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.
Traffic stop leads to impaired and assault charges
One person is facing charges as a result of a traffic complaint.
On February 12 at approximately 9:30 am, officers with the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP received a traffic complaint for a possible impaired driver in the town of Little Current. It was initially reported that the driver was passed out at the wheel. A short time later, the vehicle was seen being driven down Water Street in the town of Little Current. Police located the vehicle nearby and determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.
Additionally, police seized approximately one gram of suspected crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $150, and approximately 40 suspected ecstasy pills.
As a result, the driver, Anawahs Migwans, 23-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with: operation while impaired drugs, resist peace officer, two counts of assault a peace officer, mischief under $5,000, possession of a schedule one substance, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking, driving while under suspension.
The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice bail court in Gore Bay on February 12 and was remanded into custody.
The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to make the call and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.
Traffic stop for stunt driving on Highway 17
A traffic stop on Highway 17 in Nairn-Hyman Township has resulted in a stunt driving charge.
On February 13 at approximately 1 pm, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP were conducting speed enforcement on Highway 17, when they observed a motorist travelling 141 kilometres per hour in a posted 90 km/h zone.
Police conducted a traffic stop, and as a result, the 43-year-old driver from Elliot Lake was charged with speeding over 50 kilometres per hour over the posted limit.
Additionally, the driver received a 30-day drivers licence suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for 14 days.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 3.
Manitoulin OPP respond to residential fire
The Manitoulin detachment of the OPP assisted the Sagamok Fire Department with a residential fire.
On February 16 at approximately 4 pm, the Manitoulin OPP responded to a residential fire on Sagamok Road, Sagamok First Nation. The road was closed for a couple of hours while the Sagamok Fire Department worked to extinguish the fire.
The lone occupant of the residence was able to evacuate, and they were transported to a local hospital by Manitoulin-Sudbury Paramedic Services as a precaution.
The investigation surrounding the circumstances of the fire revealed it to be non-suspicious.
