Drug, weapons charges follow investigation of fatal Hwy. 17 crash in northern Ont.

(CTV News file image)

Five people from southern Ontario have been charged after the investigation of a fatal collision last week led to the discovery of illicit drugs, weapons and cash.

On March 28 shortly before 10 a.m., Ontario Provincial Police responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 17 about 30 kilometres south of Wawa.

“One person was confirmed deceased as a result of the collision,” the OPP said in a news release Wednesday.

“During the investigation, one of the vehicle occupants was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a large amount of suspected fentanyl, valued at over $28,000.”

Charged are two 21-year-olds from North York, an 18-year-old from Scarborough, a 21-year-old from Toronto and a 17-year-old from Etobicoke.

All face weapons and drug charges, as well as various probation violations. Three of the suspects were remanded into custody, while the 21-year-old from Toronto was released with a May court date. The young offender also remains in custody.