The OPP is having a case of déjà vu.
At the end of August, the Manitoulin OPP stopped a vehicle travelling on Highway 17 in Baldwin Township, Ontario. Officers found the driver to be suspended in the Province of Ontario. Further investigation revealed the driver to be in possession of controlled drugs, and an amount of Canadian money.
As a result, 35-year-old Justin Solomon, of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, was charged with the following:
- Driving While Under Suspension
- Operation While Prohibited
- Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Drive Vehicle or Boat with Cannabis Readily Available
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.00
- Improper Left Turn
In June the same driver was investigated in a traffic stop on Highway 6 in Espanola and charged with the following:
- Driving While Under Suspension
- Operation While Prohibited
- Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Other Drugs
- Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Opioid (other than heroin)
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.00
- Drive Vehicle or Boat with Cannabis Readily Available, contrary to section 12(1) of the CCA 2017;
- Unlawful Distribution
The accused was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola, on July 29 and the vehicle he was driving was impounded for 45 days. He is now scheduled to attend for all matters on October 21 and his vehicle was again suspended for 45 days.
