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A 43-year-old Bonfield man, identified as Albert Blais, is facing multiple criminal and provincial charges after a traffic stop in North Bay. The stop, which was conducted by a member of the Ontario Provincial Police Traffic Incident Management Enforcement Team, occurred on Riverbend Road near Lakeshore Road on July 23 at approximately 8 a.m.
The officer’s Automated Licence Plate Recognition system had identified an expired vehicle permit, prompting the stop. During the interaction with the driver, the officer observed signs of impairment by a drug, leading to the driver’s arrest.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of suspected illicit drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, MDMA, and Percocet tablets, as well as a digital scale and approximately $790 in Canadian currency. The search also uncovered numerous tools and equipment, including a welder, compressor, and a chainsaw, which were later identified as stolen property from a recent break and enter in the North Bay area.
The stolen items were returned to their owner following a follow-up investigation. As a result of the investigation, Blais has been charged with several offenses, including operation while impaired by drugs, possession of property obtained by crime, and multiple counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Blais is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay on September 1. In addition to the charges, he received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. The driver was also charged with various provincial offenses, including operating a motor vehicle without insurance and driving without a valid license.
Article and image source: nugget.ca
