Driver charged with drug trafficking, impaired after Hwy. 17 stop

Two bags of suspected cocaine were seized by Ontario Provincial Police following a traffic stop on Highway 17 west of North Bay on Dec. 11, 2025. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 62-year-old man from West Nipissing faces impaired driving and drug trafficking charges after a traffic stop on Highway 17 west of North Bay last week.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Dec. 11 when Ontario Provincial Police stopped a vehicle in Beaucage Township.

“Upon speaking with the driver, the officer determined they had been consuming an intoxicating substance,” said OPP in a news release.

The driver was arrested at the scene and transported to the North Bay OPP detachment for further testing.

Search yields cash, suspected drugs

“A search of the driver and vehicle resulted in the seizure of two bags of suspected cocaine (and) a digital scale,” said police.

The officer also seized about $800 in cash during the search.

As a result of the investigation, the motorist was charged with drug trafficking, along with two impaired driving offences.

In addition to the charges, under provincial law, the man also received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in North Bay on Feb. 3.

Report suspected impaired driving

The OPP used the incident to prompt the public about their role in road safety.

“OPP reminds motorists that impaired driving is never acceptable,” said police.

“If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911.”