(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted 250 Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) programs between May 1, 2023, and November 10, 2023. These proactive police efforts have resulted in a wide range of drug and driving charges.
The OPP’s Festive R.I.D.E. campaign begins November 16, 2023, and runs until January 1, 2024.
On September 26, 2023, a vehicle was stopped at a R.I.D.E. on Centre Street in Espanola. Police detected an odour of cannabis coming from the vehicle and four people were arrested. A search of the vehicle resulted in police locating over 200 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $39,500.
On October 5, 2023, a vehicle was stopped at a R.I.D.E. again being held on Centre Street in Espanola. It was determined the driver was wanted. The driver was arrested, and a search of the vehicle led 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.
Manitoulin OPP R.I.D.E. programs also resulted in:
- six drivers being issued 3-day driving suspensions
- five drivers charged for driving while suspended
- five individuals found breaching conditions
- three individuals arrested for impaired driving
- three individuals arrested for outstanding warrants
- one individual charged with driving disqualified after a Criminal Code conviction
- two unsafe motor vehicles taken off the road
Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of death on Ontario roads.
“People who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs put everyone around them at risk. Finding and stopping these drivers is an all-out community effort. Police use R.I.D.E. programs as a proactive tool to reduce impaired driving, but the results in the Manitoulin OPP Detachment area show the immeasurable positive effects these programs have. They are undoubtedly helping to prevent further victimization, property crime, violent crime, and overdoses within our communities,” says Manitoulin OPP Inspector Robert Walsh.
Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan not to drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver or take a taxi.
If you observe a suspected impaired driver, please call 9-1-1 immediately and report it.
