Gananoque police make drug, impaired driving arrests
This final month of 2024 was a busy one for law enforcement officers with Gananoque Police Service, who made two significant arrests during patrols on Dec. 13 and 15, involving drugs, weapons and impaired driving, according to a release issued on Sunday, Dec. 29.
During a routine patrol on Dec. 13, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle suspected of drug trafficking. According to police, a K9 search uncovered a hidden compartment in the vehicle containing approximately 454 grams of cocaine, valued at $48,500 on the street. Officers also seized a loaded .40 calibre handgun and $1,165 in Canadian currency.
As a result, a 27-year-old Scarborough resident was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including:
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
- Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was firearm
- Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order.
They were held in custody for a show cause bail hearing.
Days later on Dec. 15, a separate incident occurred where a police officer observed a vehicle driving aggressively and erratically, forcing another car off the roadway. Not only did the driver fail to stop, but they nearly struck the officer’s cruiser while attempting to back into a driveway. According to the Dec. 29 media release from Gananoque Police Service, ”It was quickly determined by the officer that the driver was intoxicated, and they were placed under arrest for further testing.”
The driver, a 21-year-old from Gananoque, was arrested and charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
The driver was released on an undertaking, but was given a 90-day administrative driver’s license suspension and a 7-day vehicle impoundment.