COCHRANE - A routine traffic stop on Highway 11 for a vehicle with no rear lights led to drugs and weapons being seized by police.
On March 11 around 8 p.m., James Bay OPP said it pulled over a vehicle that had no rear lights on Highway 11 between Cochrane and Smooth Rock Falls. It led to the two occupants being arrested and the vehicle being searched.
Police seized suspected methamphetamine tablets, hash, bear spray, a large kitchen knife and a small quantity of Canadian cash. The total estimated value of the seizure is $1,700.
Jonathan Forger-Hotte, 29, of Mont Laurier, Quebec, is charged with:
- Trafficking a schedule I substance - Methamphetamines
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Methamphetamines
- Possession of a prohibited device for a dangerous purpose
- 5 counts of ossession of a prohibited weapon contrary to a prohibition order
- Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing
- Fail to comply with probation order
Frederic Prive, 32, of Saint Colomban, Quebec, is charged with:
- Trafficking a schedule I substance - Methamphetamines
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Methamphetamines
- Possession of a prohibited device for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing
- Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
- No clear view to the sides
- Drive without proper rear lights
- No clear view to the rear
Both of the accused were released from police custody and are scheduled to appear in court in Cochrane on April 9.
None of the charges have been tested in court and the accused is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
