On December 12, 2016, members of the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on regular patrol duties on Highway 17 west of Blind River.
As a result of a traffic stop, the officer detected a strong odor of cannabis marihuana coming from the vehicle. The lone driver was arrested and the vehicle was searched.
Police located over 70 pounds of cannabis marihuana, cocaine weighing over 380 grams, a small amount of oxycodone and $750 in Canadian currency. Estimated street value of the cannabis marihuana and cocaine is over $350,000.
Bruce READER, 23 years of age, from Echo Bay, Ontario, was charged with:
- Possession Property obtained by Crime Under $ 5000, contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of a Schedule II Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking –over 3 kilograms, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drug Substances Act;
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking –Cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drug Substances Act; and
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for Having Oxycodone in his Possession, contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drug Substances Act.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Blind River on January 5, 2016.
