(ESPANOLA, ON) Two people are facing charges after police conducted a traffic stop for a dirty licence plate.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a motor vehicle with a licence plate obstructed by dirt swerving on Highway 6 in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township. A traffic stop was initiated and as a result of the investigation, both the driver and passenger were arrested.
Police seized amounts of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine with a total estimated street value of $9,000.
The driver, Jason CARUSO, 43-years-old from Lively, was charged with:
Operation while impaired drugs
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
Fail to have insurance card
Fail to surrender licence
Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
Operate unsafe vehicle
The passenger, Renee DAIGLE, 40-years-old from Hanmer, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on October 7, 2025.