Cocaine Bust – KITENGE

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two people have been charged with drug related offences following a traffic stop on Highway 17 in Baldwin Township.

On November 24, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting general patrol on Highway 17. A vehicle was observed driving past them with no front plate. A traffic stop was conducted and there were two occupants in the vehicle. A check of the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) revealed that the licence plate on the rear of the vehicle was not authorized for that vehicle. Further investigation led to the driver and passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police seized over 50g of suspect cocaine, with an estimated street value of $5,000, and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, the driver, Charles KITENGE, 22-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
• Use plate not authorized for vehicle
• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
• Fail to surrender insurance card
• Fail to display two plates
• Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available
• Drive motor vehicle with cannabis readily available

The passenger, Mahaylia DAIGLE, 21-years-old of no fixed address, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine.

Both accused individuals are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on January 6, 2024.

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