$9,000 Drug Bust – 2 Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two people are facing charges after police conducted a traffic stop for a dirty licence plate.

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a motor vehicle with a licence plate obstructed by dirt swerving on Highway 6 in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township. A traffic stop was initiated and as a result of the investigation, both the driver and passenger were arrested.

Police seized amounts of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine with a total estimated street value of $9,000.

The driver, Jason CARUSO, 43-years-old from Lively, was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – drugs
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
• Fail to have insurance card
• Fail to surrender licence
• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
• Operate unsafe vehicle

The passenger, Renee DAIGLE, 40-years-old from Hanmer, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on October 7, 2025.

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