Police seize suspected cocaine and methamphetamine, along with cash and paraphernalia

KENORA, ON — Ontario Provincial Police say one person has been arrested and charged following a traffic stop in Kenora.

Police report that on Friday, February 20, 2026, members of the Kenora OPP stopped a vehicle they described as suspicious. With assistance from the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), the vehicle was searched and officers seized suspected cocaine, suspected methamphetamine, Canadian currency, a cellphone, and drug paraphernalia.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher Fielder, 48, of Kenora is charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), the Criminal Code, and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine (CDSA)

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — methamphetamine (CDSA)

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (Criminal Code)

• Driving while under suspension (HTA)

• Operate unsafe vehicle (HTA)

• Speeding (1–49 km/h over posted limit) (HTA)

Fielder is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

What the drug charges mean under the CDSA

Possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine / methamphetamine)

The CDSA makes it an offence to possess a controlled substance “for the purpose of trafficking.” The allegation is not simple possession; it alleges the drugs were possessed with intent connected to trafficking activity (for example, selling, giving, transporting, or delivering).

In court, prosecutors typically rely on evidence such as the quantity of drugs, packaging, cash, communications on phones, and other items seized to argue “purpose of trafficking” rather than personal use.

Potential penalty on conviction

For offences involving Schedule I substances (which include cocaine and methamphetamine), the CDSA sets the offence as indictable and provides a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Any sentence—if there is a conviction—depends on the facts proven, the Crown’s position, and the offender’s record.

What the Criminal Code charge means

Possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000

This charge generally relates to having money or property, knowing that it was obtained by or derived from the commission of an indictable offence.

Potential penalties on conviction

Where the value is not more than $5,000, the Criminal Code provides that the offence can proceed:

• By indictment: up to two years imprisonment; or

• By summary conviction: the general summary conviction maximum applies, which is up to two years less a dayand/or a fine of up to $5,000, unless another penalty is specifically provided.

Highway Traffic Act charges and possible court outcomes

Driving while under suspension

Under Ontario’s HTA, driving while a licence is suspended can carry:

• First offence: a fine of $1,000 to $5,000

• Subsequent offences: a fine of $2,000 to $5,000, and the court may also impose up to six months in jail, or both.

Operate unsafe vehicle

Ontario law prohibits operating a vehicle on a highway if it is in a dangerous or unsafe condition.
The provincial set-fine schedule lists this offence as N.S.F. (no set fine)—meaning the fine is not preset and can vary depending on how the matter proceeds and what is proven in court.

Speeding (1–49 km/h over the limit)

For speeding convictions, Ontario’s set-fine schedule sets fines by kilometres per hour over the limit (for example, $2.50/km for 1–19 km/h, up to $6.00/km for 30–49 km/h, before surcharges and costs).
Demerit points, if convicted, can include 3 points (16–29 km/h over) or 4 points (30–49 km/h over).

Police ask public to report information

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Minor occurrences can be reported online through OPP reporting tools. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.