Drugs found at holiday checkstop leads to cocaine trafficking charges for Hamilton man: police

A Hamilton man and four others have been hit with drug trafficking charges after cocaine was found during a holiday checkstop in Ontario, police say.

The OPP launched its Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign last month to crack down on impaired drivers every holiday season in Ontario.

The mobile checkstops are being set up on highways across the province until the new year, and police say five arrests were made at one such checkpoint on Monday morning.

Police say a vehicle came through a RIDE checkstop around 2:30 a.m. near Golf Course Road in Kawartha Lakes.

After speaking with the driver and passengers inside the vehicle, police say suspected cocaine was found.

The driver and all four passengers were arrested and charged with drug and firearms-related offences.

Jamie Adams, 34, Ronnie Escott, 30, of Lindsay, Ashley Johnson, 39, and Tamara Mcquade, 26, all of Lindsay, and Adam Wesley, 34, of Hamilton, have been charged with possession of a schedule i substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, and possession of a prohibited device or ammunition.

Adams is also facing additional charges of drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available, fail to surrender insurance card, fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle. Escott and Wesley were both also charged with fail to comply with probation order.

Police agencies across Ontario are now conducting mandatory breathalyzer alcohol screening at every traffic stop on GTA highways, including the QEW and Highways 403 and 401.

Police say anyone who suspects a driver of operating while impaired by drugs or alcohol is encouraged to call 911 and report it when safe to do so.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact the OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.