Traffic Stop in Nipissing First Nation Leads to Drug and Proceeds-of-Crime Charges for Two Sturgeon Falls Residents

January 21, 2026

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Police allege cocaine, pills, cash, scales, and electronics seized after uninsured vehicle stop

NIPISSING FIRST NATION — Two people from Sturgeon Falls are facing multiple criminal charges after an Anishinabek Police Service traffic stop in Nipissing First Nation on January 15, 2026.

Police say an officer stopped a vehicle around 5:30 p.m. after running the licence plate and determining the vehicle was uninsured. When the officer approached, police allege drug paraphernalia was visible in the vehicle’s front compartment.

Further checks determined the passenger was under house arrest conditions at the time of the stop, prompting a search of the vehicle and both occupants, police said.

Items Seized

Anishinabek Police report the following items were seized during the investigation:

2.35 g of possible crack cocaine
21.6 g of suspected cocaine
35 oxycodone tablets
54 gabapentin pills
Six unknown pill tablets
$1,853 in Canadian currency
Four cellphones and one digital tablet
Jewelry (gold, diamonds, silver)
Two working scales with substance residue
Gift cards and prepaid cards

Charges Laid

Police say the driver, a 36-year-old man from Sturgeon Falls, is charged with:

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – cocaine
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Police say the passenger, a 34-year-old woman from Sturgeon Falls, is charged with:

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – cocaine
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Failure to Comply with Probation Order

All allegations have not been proven in court.

What the Charges Mean — and the Potential Penalties

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

This charge is typically laid under Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), which prohibits possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Because cocaine is listed in Schedule I of the CDSA, the penalty provision states that a conviction for trafficking or possession for the purpose of trafficking in a Schedule I substance is an indictable offence with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

How “purpose of trafficking” is often assessed: courts may consider factors such as quantity, packaging, cash, multiple phones, and the presence of scales—items police say were seized in this case. (The specific evidence and interpretation would be tested in court.)

Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

This allegation falls under Section 354 of the Criminal Code (possession of property obtained by crime), with sentencing set out in Section 355.

Where the value is alleged to be more than $5,000, Section 355 provides for:

Up to 10 years in prison if the Crown proceeds by indictment, or
If dealt with by summary conviction, the general summary penalty provisions apply.

Failure to Comply with a Probation Order

This charge is set out in Section 733.1 of the Criminal Code. It is a hybrid offence, meaning the Crown can proceed by indictment or summarily.

If prosecuted by indictment: up to 4 years imprisonment
If prosecuted by summary conviction: subject to the general summary maximum of up to 2 years less a dayand/or a fine up to $5,000 (unless otherwise provided).

Police Seeking Public Assistance

The Anishinabek Police Service is asking anyone with information to call 705-472-0270. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.