(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested for impaired operation in Espanola.

On April 15, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting general patrol in the Town of Espanola, when they received an Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) alert for a possible suspended driver on a passing vehicle. Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Centre Street in Espanola. Police observed signs that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

Additionally, police seized a small amount of suspected cocaine.

As a result, the driver, Maxwell WABEGIJIK, 42-years-old from Sheshegwaning First Nation, was charged with:

Operation while impaired – drugs
Refusal to comply with demand
Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
Driving while under suspension
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. 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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