The Labour Day long-weekend was a busy one for Northumberland OPP, with officers on patrol and responding to various calls – and in one instance, a call led to the seizure of $9,700-plus worth of cocaine, say police.
Here’s a snapshot into the calls:
On Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at about 2:30 p.m., a member of the public made a traffic complaint about a passenger vehicle travelling eastbound on Hwy. 401 towards the Municipality of Port Hope. The vehicle was described as being unable to maintain its lane, said police.
Officers patrolled the highway and observed a vehicle matching the description provided by the caller. A traffic stop was conducted on Hwy. 401 in the Township of Hamilton, reported OPP.
After speaking with the driver, police said they made an approved screening device (ASD) demand, and the driver complied. As a result, the motorist was arrested and transported to a local detachment for further tests, said police.
As a result of the investigation, a 66-year-old Etobicoke resident was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus.)
The accused also had their licence suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
The accused will appear in Cobourg court later.
On Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at about 7:50 p.m., police said they responded to a traffic complaint about a passenger vehicle travelling westbound on Hwy. 401 from the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand. The caller advised that the vehicle was unable to maintain its lane and was making abrupt movements, said police.
Officers patrolled and observed a vehicle matching the description provided by the complainant. A traffic stop was conducted on Hwy. 401 in the Township of Hamilton, reported OPP.
Police allege they observed items in the vehicle which led to the arrest of both occupants.
A search was conducted, which then yielded further items believed to be stolen property and 108 grams of suspected cocaine, said police, adding the approximate value of the suspected cocaine is $9,720.
A disguise used to allegedly commit a theft under investigation by another agency was also discovered, said police.
A switchblade knife and scales were also among items seized, reported police.
As a result of the investigation, police said a 57-year-old with no fixed addressed was charged with possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, theft under $5,000 – shoplifting, disguise with intent, and failure to comply with a release order – other than to attend court.
The accused was held for bail to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg.
Police said a 37-year-old Oshawa resident was also charged with possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The accused will appear in Cobourg court at a future date.
On Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, at about 11:20 a.m., police said they responded to a report of an assault on Saskatoon Avenue in the Municipality of Trent Hills.
When officers arrived, the accused had allegedly left the area prior to speaking with police.
The complainant advised that the altercation escalated following a verbal interaction and the victim was assaulted by the individual, who allegedly swung a piece of equipment used to carry items, said police.
The victim sustained minor injuries and declined treatment by EMS, added police.
Through investigation, police said a 15-year-old from the Municipality of Trent Hills was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon and breach of recognizance.
The accused will appear in Cobourg court at a future date. They cannot be named due to provisions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
On Monday, Sept. 2, at about 8 a.m., OPP were conducting radar enforcement on Hwy. 401 eastbound in the Municipality of Port Hope. A passenger vehicle was stopped and as a result of details provided by the occupants, the Canada Border Security Agency (CBSA) was contacted to attend, explained police.
As a result of an investigation, police said a 26-year-old from England was charged with several offences, including: Fail to identify self, drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available, speeding 1-49 km/h over posted limit, fail to surrender licence, and fail to notify change of name.
The accused will appear in Cobourg court at a later date.
OPP said CBSA also attended and carried out their own investigation into the driver and a passenger.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
