(MADAWASKA VALLEY TWP, ON) – A driver is facing several charges after a vehicle was stopped as a result of a RIDE Program in Madawaska Valley Township (MVTP).
On February 18, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) encountered a vehicle at a RIDE Program in MVTP. As part of the investigation a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was conducted, and further testing was conducted by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officer at the detachment. Cannabis was seized by police during the investigation.
As a result of this incident 21-year-old Justin KOSNASKIE of MVTP has been charged with the following Criminal Code (CC), Highway Traffic Act (HTA), and Cannabis Control Act (CCA) offences:
· Operation while impaired – drugs
· Drive motor vehicle – fail to display two plates
· Driver fail to surrender licence
· Have care or control of a vehicle with cannabis readily available
The accused had their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days. The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on March 16, 2026.
The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP is committed to making our roadways safe with RIDE programs throughout the year, at any time of the day or night.