NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Orillia detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested and charged two suspects with numerous offences, including drug trafficking charges, following a traffic stop in the City of Orillia.
On March 5, 2021, just after 1 p.m., OPP officers were on patrol in the West Ridge area of Orillia when they spotted a vehicle driven by a person who was known to be wanted. The officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the driver did not immediately stop.
After a short distance, the vehicle was boxed in and the driver and passenger were arrested. Further investigation led to the seizure of a quantity of fentanyl, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), cannabis and Canadian currency as well as a conductive energy weapon, and a "butterfly" knife.
As a result, the driver, Neil Foster, age 42, of Toronto, has been charged with:
- Two counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - opioid
- Possession of a schedule I substance - Methylenedioxyamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance - other drugs
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
- Two counts of possession of prohibited device or ammunition for dangerous purpose
- Two counts of failure to comply with prohibition order
- Failure to comply with probation order
- Failure to comply with undertaking
- Possession of break in instruments
- Flight from peace officer
- Driving while under suspension
- Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
The accused was held for a bail hearing and is set to appear next on March 8, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice, Barrie.
The passenger, Sara Gardiner, age 31, of Orillia, has been charged with:
- Two counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - opioid
- Possession of a schedule I substance - Methylenedioxyamphetamine
- Possession of a schedule I substance - other drugs
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
- Two counts of possession of prohibited device or ammunition for dangerous purpose
- Possession of break in instruments
The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is set to appear on May 18, 2021, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.
The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia, by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report minor occurrences online by visiting www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
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