(HARLEY TOWNSHIP, ON) – A driver from Kirkland Lake has been charged after the report of a suspected impaired driver on Highway 11, Harley Township.
On April 9, 2024, shortly before 7:20 p.m., members of the Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint of a suspected impaired driver on Highway 11 in Harley Township.
The OPP located the subject vehicle and investigation revealed that the driver was impaired by drug. The driver was arrested and transported to the Temiskaming Detachment for an evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
During the investigation, police seized a rifle, suspected Methamphetamine, suspected Fentanyl, suspected Ketamine, suspected Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and various drug paraphernalia.
Justin BELANGER, 35 years-of-age of Kirkland Lake has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – 3 counts
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on May 7, 2024. He was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and his vehicle was impounded for seven days.
The OPP has highly trained DRE officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.
