Two charged after northern Ont. traffic stop uncovers suspected drugs

Ontario Provincial Police cruiser (File Image/Bobb Barratt/Ontarion Provincial Police)

Two individuals from Espanola, Ont., are facing multiple charges after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected drugs and a significant amount of cash, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

The incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Feb. 26, when officers from the Manitoulin OPP detachment conducted a traffic stop on Albert Street.

“During the stop, police identified the vehicle’s passenger as being wanted on an outstanding warrant,” said OPP in a news release.

“Further investigation at the scene resulted in the arrest of both the driver and passenger.”

Police reported seizing approximately 43 grams of suspected fentanyl and 0.5 grams of suspected cocaine along with about $6,800 in cash.

OPP estimated the street value of the drugs seized at more than $13,000.

As a result, the driver, a 38-year-old woman, and her 46-year-old passenger were both charged with two counts of drug trafficking, two counts of drug possession and possession of proceeds of crime.

The passenger was released and is scheduled to appear in court in Espanola on April 7. The driver was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Sudbury last week.