Impaired & Drug Trafficking Charges

(KAPUSKASING, ON) – A traffic stop led to several criminal charges for both driver and passenger in Kapuskasing.

On August 17, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop Government Road in Kapuskasing.

Upon speaking with the driver, police observed an open container of alcohol in the centre console of the vehicle. Officers determined that the driver had been consuming an intoxicating substance. The driver was arrested and transported to the Kapuskasing detachment for further testing. A search of the vehicle incident to arrest was conducted, and police located and seized drugs suspected to be fentanyl and cocaine, packaging, cell phones, a scale, a knife, other drug related paraphernalia, and a small amount of Canadian cash.

As a result of the investigation, Shirley SEARLES, 33 years of age of Cochrane, was charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration

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

·        Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor

·        Operating an unsafe vehicle

The above accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 7, 2024, in Kapuskasing. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

In addition, vehicle passenger Melissa BOUCHARD, 39 years of age of Cochrane was arrested and charged with:

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

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

·        Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

·        Fail to comply with release order

The above accused remains in custody and is scheduled to next appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 26, 2024, in Kapuskasing.

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