Echo Bay resident caught with unmarked cigarettes in Fort Frances

A resident of Echo Bay was charged after OPP seized more than 200 unmarked cigarettes during a traffic stop in Fort Frances last night.

Shortly before 11 p.m., "a member of the Rainy River District Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) while on general patrol on Second Street East in the town of Fort Frances performed a traffic stop on a vehicle for a Highway Traffic Act infraction," says a news release issued by OPP.

Erik Lapish, 51 years old, was issued Provincial Offence Notices and stands charged with:

    •    Fail to surrender insurance for motor vehicle
    •    Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
    •    Possession of unmarked cigarettes

None of the allegations have been tested in court and Lapish is considered innocent unless proven guilty.