Two people are facing charges after police conducted a traffic stop for a dirty licence plate in Espanola.
On Sunday, Sept. 14 at approximately 9 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police observed a motor vehicle with a licence plate obstructed by dirt swerving on Highway 6 in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township.
A traffic stop was initiated and as a result of the investigation, both the driver and passenger were arrested.
Police seized amounts of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine with a total estimated street value of $9,000.
The driver, a 43-year-old Lively man, was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - drugs
- Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Fail to have insurance card
- Fail to surrender licence
- Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
- Operate unsafe vehicle
The passenger, a 40-year-old Hanmer woman, was charged with possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine.
Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on Oct. 7.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and both accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.