A traffic stop in Orillia has resulted in several drug trafficking charges.
Officers were on patrol in the West Ridge area on Friday afternoon, when they spotted a vehicle driven by a person known to be wanted.
The driver initially failed to stop for police, but after a short distance, the vehicle was boxed in and both the driver and passenger were arrested.
Police say further investigation led to the seizure of a quantity of fentanyl, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), cannabis and cash, as well as a conductive energy weapon, and a “butterfly” knife.
As a result, the driver, Neil Foster, age 42, of Toronto, has been charged with:
- Two counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
- Possession of a schedule I substance – Methylenedioxyamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance – other drugs
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
- Two counts of possession of prohibited device or ammunition for dangerous purpose
- Two counts of failure to comply with prohibition order
- Failure to comply with probation order
- Failure to comply with undertaking
- Possession of break in instruments
- Flight from peace officer
- Driving while under suspension
- Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
The accused was held for a bail hearing and is set to appear next on March 8, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice, Barrie.
The passenger, Sara Gardiner, age 31, of Orillia, has been charged with:
- Two counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
- Possession of a schedule I substance – Methylenedioxyamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance – other drugs
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
- Two counts of possession of prohibited device or ammunition for dangerous purpose
- Possession of break in instruments
The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is set to appear on May 18, 2021, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.
Two people have been charged with numerous offences, including drug trafficking charges, after a traffic stop in the #CityofOrillia. Fentanyl, MDMA and cannabis were seized as well as a "butterfly" knife and a CEW. (bottom left) 23 charges were laid in total. #OrilliaOPP ^td pic.twitter.com/9rggkSte6o
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) March 8, 2021