(ESPANOLA, ON) - Two people are facing charges after police conducted a traffic stop for a dirty licence plate.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at approximately 9:00 pm, the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) 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, Jason CARUSO, 43-years-old from Lively, was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - drugs
- Possession of a Schedule I 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, Renee DAIGLE, 40-years-old from Hanmer, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine.
Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on October 7, 2025.