5 Arrested At Traffic Stop – Meth A Factory, Names Released

(KAPUSKASING, ON) – A traffic stop conducted by the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has led to impaired driving charges, as well as drug-related charges for all five vehicle occupants.

On January 4, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle on Riverside Drive in Kapuskasing. During their interaction with the driver, officers observed a bag of a substance suspected to be cocaine. The driver was determined to have had consumed an intoxicating substance and was arrested and transported to the Kapuskasing OPP detachment for further testing. Further investigation revealed additional suspected controlled substances, leading to the arrest of four passengers. Police seized drugs suspected to be crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, dilaudid, and morphine, as well as cell phones, scales, and two switch blades.

As a result, Steve CHARTRAND, 49 years of age of Hearst, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Failure or refusal to comply with demand

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone

·        Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The accused was released from a bail hearing on January 6, 2025, and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 13, 2025, in Kapuskasing. In addition, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

Further, Dakota BEDWASH, 31 years of age of Constance Lake, has been charged with:

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone

·        Fail to comply with probation order

·        Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose – two counts

·        Obstruct peace officer

The above accused remains in custody and is next scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 13, 2025, in Kapuskasing.

Further, Albert MOORE, 47 years of age of Constance Lake, has been charged with:

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone

The above accused was released from a bail hearing on January 6, 2025, and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 13, 2025, in Kapuskasing.

Further, Terrance SUTHERLAND, 34 years of age of Constance Lake, has been charged with:

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone

The above accused remains in custody and is next scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 13, 2025, in Kapuskasing.

Further, Trisha WESLEY, 38 years of age of Hearst, has been charged with:

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone

·        Fail to comply with a release order

The above accused remains in custody and is next scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 13, 2025, in Kapuskasing.