Armstrong — An Automated Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) alert for a suspended driver led Armstrong OPP to stop a vehicle and arrest a 67-year-old individual from Whitesand First Nation. Officers say the stop resulted in two charges and a 7-day vehicle impound.
Charges
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Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking — Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) s.5(2)
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Driving While Under Suspension — Highway Traffic Act (HTA) s.53(1)
The accused was released with a future court date. All charges are allegations until proven in court.
What the charges carry upon conviction (maximums)
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Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Schedule I) — Straight indictable; maximum penalty: life imprisonment under CDSA s.5(3)(a). Actual sentences depend on the facts and aggravating/mitigating factors. Justice Laws
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Driving While Under Suspension (HTA s.53) — A provincial offence (not Criminal Code):
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First conviction: fine $1,000–$5,000, up to 6 months’ jail, and an additional 6-month licence suspension.
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Subsequent convictions: fine $2,000–$5,000, up to 6 months’ jail, and an additional 6-month suspension.
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Vehicle impoundment: police may impound for 7 days when a suspended driver is stopped. (Longer impounds can apply if the suspension relates to certain Criminal Code matters.)
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Reminder: Ontario’s 7-day impoundment for driving while suspended is immediate; towing and storage costs are the owner’s responsibility. Ontario
