Northern Ont. RIDE check leads to $85K drug seizure

Timmins police chief stress new for bail reform While providing updated crime stats to city council Timmins’ police chief repeated his desire for bail reforms for repeat offenders.

A traffic stop earlier this month has led to a significant amount of drugs seized and charges against two people.

On Dec. 8, at about 11:50 p.m., members of the Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment conducted a Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) stop on Highway 11 in Kenogami, Ont.

“Upon speaking to the driver, police observed open alcohol, cannabis and drug paraphernalia readily accessible to the driver,” said police in a news release.

Officers found approximately 783 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 64 grams of cocaine and seven grams of ecstasy during a subsequent search of the vehicle.

Police estimated the street value of the drugs seized as $85,000.

Kirkland Lake - Seizure - Dec 2024 Ontario Provincial Police seized an estimated $85,000 in crystal methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy during a Festive RIDE stop on Highway 11 Kenogami, Ont., on December 8, 2024. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

As a result of the investigation, the driver, a 26-year-old man from Latchford, along with the passenger, a 34-year-old woman from Kirkland Lake, were both charged with three counts of drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

The driver also faces several additional charges – including driving with an open container of liquor and cannabis readily available and three other driving-related offences.

Both accused are scheduled to appear in court next month, the driver on Jan. 9 and the passenger on Jan. 10.