A call about a vehicle parked late at night on the shoulder of Highway 17 in the Nairn Centre area led to drug and other charges for two people.
On Oct. 4 at around 11:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police detachment received a call about a suspicious vehicle parked on the shoulder of the highway.
“Police attended the location and observed the driver to be passed out at the wheel, as well as observed the passenger to be making sporadic movements,” the police news release states. “Police initiated an investigation, and both the driver and passenger were arrested as a result.”
In the vehicle, OPP said officers located suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $740, an amount of suspected hydromorphone with an estimated street value of $80, and two airsoft firearms.
The driver, a 44-year-old man from Goulais River, is charged with:
- Operation while impaired
- Driving while under suspension - two counts
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - opioid
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - cocaine
- Failure to comply with release order - two counts
- Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose - two counts
The passenger, a 59-year-old man from Sudbury, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance - cocaine.
Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Nov. 17.
“The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. 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.”