Routine traffic stop leads to drug charges

OPP News Release

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MATTAWA – A Mattawa Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was conducting general patrol on Valois Drive in the town of Mattawa on March 22, 2012 when he stopped a vehicle travelling westbound at 3:05 pm.

As a result of the traffic stop and further investigation, the officer seized 11.5 pounds of suspected marihuana with a street value estimated at approximately $110,000 as well as a sum of money.

28 year old Joseph MORNINGSTAR of Blind River Ontario was arrested and charged with the following offences:

 Trafficking Schedule II - Cannabis Marihuana over 3 kg, contrary to CDSA s. 5(1);

 Possession for the Purpose Schedule II over 3 kg, contrary to CDSA s. 5(2);

 Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada s. 354(1) (a).

MORNINGSTAR is scheduled to appear for court in Mattawa on the 09 May 2012.

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