(CHATHAM-KENT, ON) On December 17, 2014, just before 2:30 p.m., Chatham-Kent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Caravan on Highway 401 westbound, near Harwich Road, for a traffic violation.
During subsequent OPP traffic investigation, the officer located a quantity of unmarked cigarettes.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was uninsured and the driver ‘s licence was suspended.
As a result, the male driver, 43 year old James PARE, a male passenger, 41 year old David HUTCHINS, and a female passenger, 39 year old Jody DREW, all from Leamington, have been charged with Possession of Unmarked Cigarettes and Possession of Unmarked Cigarettes For The Purpose Of Sale, under the Tobacco Tax Act.
In addition, the driver was also charged with Driving While Under Suspension, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act, and the female passenger was charged with Permit Motor Vehicle To Be Operated Without Insurance, under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.
The driver and both passengers are scheduled to appear in a Chatham court on February 4, 2015, to answer to the charges.