Big drug bust results from RIDE stop (photo)

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* Trio charged with drug offences

KIRKLAND LAKE, ON - Members of the Kirkland Lake OPP have charged three men with numerous drug related offences.

The charges stem from a vehicle stop at a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) check point on Highway 11 at Highway 568 in Eby Township west of Kirkland Lake, Ontario.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:50 p.m. on November 14, 2010.

The subsequent investigation led to the search of the vehicle.

Seized as a result of the search was approximately 25,000 grams of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is approximately $2,500,000.

Due to the large quantity, the drugs seized have been transported to a secure facility at a location in Ontario.

Charged are:

- Luis Bastidas Isaza, age 47 of Laval, Quebec, with trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance

- Carlos Duffo, age 35 of Montreal, Quebec, with trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and two counts of possession of a controlled substance

- Otto Castilla-Castellanos, age 26 of Montreal, Quebec, with trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance.

All three accused men have been remanded into custody pending a bail hearing.

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