Category: Espanola

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

$30,000 Fentanyl Bust

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two people have been arrested and are facing charges after a Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On March 10, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Highway 6 near Foucault Drive in Espanola. A vehicle came through the RIDE check, and officers detected an odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle. Further investigation on scene resulted in the driver and passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $30,000, and approximately $2,500 in Canadian Currency.

As a result, the driver, Johvonne STERLING, 30-years-old from Etobicoke, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

The passenger, Mark TUCKER, 22-years-old from Etobicoke, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Both accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury today, March 11, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Steven VAREY – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired related charges after police received a call about a person on a snowmobile.

On March 9, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call reporting that a person on a snowmobile arrived at a medical facility in Espanola and was potentially intoxicated. Police arrived on scene, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Steven VAREY, 35-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 7, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

$60,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Four people are facing charges as a result of an extensive investigation into drugs and weapons offences in Espanola.

The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received information regarding possible drugs and weapons offences occurring at an address in Espanola. The OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) launched an investigation with assistance from the East Algoma CSCU, Nipissing West CSCU, North Bay CSCU, West Parry Sound CSCU.

On March 5, 2025, Manitoulin OPP officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle involved in the investigation. As a result, the four occupants of the vehicle were arrested. Police then attended an address in Espanola to execute a search warrant.

As a result, police seized amounts of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $45,000, amounts of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $16,000, amounts of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $600, a prohibited handgun with an extended magazine, and a tactical vest with a handgun holster.

As a result, four people are facing charges:

Adam WHITE, 40-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Operation while impaired

Rosalind BOB, 34-years-old from Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, was charged with:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

Cameron CARDWELL, 40-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
  • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order – three counts
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

Damon LANTEIGNE, 35-years-old from Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, was charged with:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
  • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The four accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on March 6, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Hit & Run – Joseph BEST Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested and is facing charges after a single vehicle collision.

On February 28, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of an unwanted person at a residence in Espanola, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant. When police arrived on scene, they observed a vehicle leave the address at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then failed to stop for police. Shortly after, police came across a single vehicle collision on Highway 6. The same vehicle was in the ditch, and the driver had fled from the vehicle on foot.

With assistance from the United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission (UCCM) Canine Unit, and the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), the driver was located and arrested. The driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result, Joseph BEST, 38-years-old from Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired
  • Flight from peace officer
  • Dangerous operation
  • Fail to remain
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence
  • Driver fail to properly wear seatbelt

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on February 28, 2025, and was remanded into custody.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

2 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two people are facing charges after police located suspected cocaine at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On February 25, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Highway 6 in Espanola. A vehicle came through the RIDE check, and police determined that the driver was wanted on an outstanding warrant. The driver was arrested, and further investigation resulted in the passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police seized amounts of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $12,000, and an amount of suspected psilocybin.

As a result, the driver, Jonathon MCCOMBER, 42-years-old from Little Current, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
  • Possession of a Schedule III substance
  • Driving while under suspension – two counts

The passenger, Dorothy VALLILLEE, 41-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule III substance

The accused driver appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury on February 25, 2025. The accused passenger is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 7, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Philippe JULIEN Was Arrested Again

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested and suspected fentanyl was seized after police responded to reports of a disturbance.

On February 27, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a fight on John Street in Espanola. Police responded to the address and confirmed that there were no injuries. Further investigation resulted in one person being arrested.

Additionally, police seized amounts of suspected Fentanyl with an estimated street value of $2,400.

As a result, Philippe JULIEN, 38-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Failure to comply with probation order – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – two counts
  • Fail to leave premises when directed

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury on February 27, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Wilbert KLASSEN – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop.

On February 25, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Manitoulin OPP were conducting general patrol on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. They observed a pickup truck pulling a trailer that was driving at a high rate of speed, and that was unable to maintain its lane. Police conducted a traffic stop, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Wilbert KLASSEN, 47-years-old from Manitoba, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 7, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Evan BELANGER – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after police received a traffic complaint.

On February 21, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint reporting a vehicle that was speeding and swerving on Highway 17 in the Nairn-Hyman Township. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Further investigation on scene resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

Evan BELANGER, 32-years-old from Frankford, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Dangerous operation
  • Novice driver – B.A.C above zero
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Driving while under suspension – while suspended under HTA sec 41/42
  • Drive motor vehicle – not equipped with ignition interlock device

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on March 19, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – 2 Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two people are facing charges following a traffic stop that resulted in police locating suspected drugs.

On February 26, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Albert Street in Espanola. Police determined that the vehicle passenger was wanted on an outstanding warrant. Further investigation on scene resulted in both the driver and passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police located approximately 43 grams of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $13,000, approximately 0.5 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $50, and approximately $6,800 in Canadian Currency.

As a result, the driver, Kimberly KITCHIKAKE, 38-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – two counts
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 7, 2025.

The passenger, Dallas YURKO, 46-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – two counts
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The second accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury on February 27, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Dustin MCKENZIE – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after police received a traffic complaint in Espanola.

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint reporting that a possible impaired driver had left a local bar. Police located the vehicle on Highway 6 in Birch Island First Nation. Police administered an Approved Screening Device (ASD) test with the driver, which resulted in a Fail, and the driver was arrested.

As a result, the driver, Dustin MCKENZIE, 24-years-old from Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

CAVANAUGH Was Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired related charges after a report was made to police.

On February 8, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call reporting that a potentially intoxicated person had left a local bar in a vehicle. Police located the vehicle nearby, and the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, the driver, Shannon CAVANAUGH, 47-years-old from Barrie, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on March 10, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Paige NAHWEGAHBOW – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired related charges after the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop.

On February 8, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Manitoulin OPP were heading to assist the Anishinabek Police Service (APS) with a call for service in Sagamok First Nation. One person involved in the occurrence left in a vehicle, and were reported to be potentially impaired. The Manitoulin OPP located the vehicle in Massey, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, the driver, Paige NAHWEGAHBOW, 29-years-old from Little Current, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Having care or control of a motor vehicle with liquor readily available

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on March 10, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Alexander BIRD – Impaired Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after they were arrested for impaired operation.

On February 7, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint for a vehicle driving at inconsistent speeds on Highway 6 near Lang Lake Road. Shortly after, police located the vehicle at a parking lot in Espanola. Further investigation on scene led to the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

Additionally, police seized approximately 0.6 grams of suspected Fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $180.

As a result, the driver, Alexander BIRD, 38-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid

The accused is schedule to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on March 10, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

3 Arrested At Traffic Stop – Details Released

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Three people are facing charges after a traffic stop on Highway 6 in Espanola.

On January 20, 2025, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting general patrol on Highway 6 in the Town of Espanola, when they were alerted to a stolen license plate by the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. A traffic stop was initiated, and the three occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

Additionally, police seized approximately 9g of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $900, approximately .20g of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $60, approximately $5,000 of Canadian currency, an axe and a knife.

As a result, the driver, Adrian ABEL, 51-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Possession of property obtained by Crime under $5,000
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available
  • Drive – no insurance

The passenger, Timothy THERRIEN, 52-years-old from Dokis First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking

The second passenger, Josephine CORBIERE, 48-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice

The three accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on March 10, 2025.

All OPP patrol vehicles are equipped with ALPR technology. ALPR has proven to be an effective way to increase the efficiency of discovering and conducting investigations related to both traffic and criminal offences. It does so by detecting licence plates that are linked to occurrences such as wanted or missing persons, stolen vehicles, stolen and unattached plates, suspended/prohibited drivers, vehicles associated with AMBER Alerts and other serious occurrences.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

TRUDEAU Arrested & Facing Numerous Charges

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested after police attempted to stop a vehicle on Highway 17 in the Baldwin Township.

On January 17, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were alerted to a wanted person by the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle was located in Whitefish River First Nation, and then intentionally collided with a Sudbury OPP cruiser before fleeing again. Shortly after, a traffic complaint came in about the same vehicle driving dangerously down the wrong side of the highway.

OPP officers located the vehicle on Highway 17 and successfully deployed a tire deflation device (TDD). During attempts to stop the vehicle, the driver intentionally collided with an OPP cruiser. The vehicle was eventually brought to a stop safely, and the driver was arrested.

Additionally, police seized suspected Fentanyl, suspected cocaine, suspected crack cocaine and approximately $350 of Canadian currency.

Peter TRUDEAU, 41-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with:

·      Resist peace officer

·      Escape lawful custody

·      Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court

·      Assault a peace officer – six counts

·      Assault a peace officer with a weapon – two counts

·      Dangerous operation

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·      Flight from peace officer – two counts

·      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Mischief

·      Mischief under $5,000 – three counts

·      Failure to comply with probation order

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid

·      Entire plate not plainly visible

·      Drive wrong way – divided highway

·      Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed

·      Possess more than one licence

·      Drive without proper headlights

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury on January 18, 2025.