Two face drug, firearm charges after failing to stop for Sault Police: OPP

Two people face numerous drug-related charges following a vehicle search on Tuesday afternoon.

A news release issued by Sault Ste. Marie OPP says they were alerted to a vehicle that had failed to stop for officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

The vehicle in question was located on Sweet Grass Street in Garden River First Nation at approximately 2 p.m., where responding officers found large quantities of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and Percocet. Drug paraphernalia, Canadian currency, and a replica firearm were also seized.

As a result of this investigation, Michael Hogan-Denis from Sault Ste. Marie and Bridgette Simons from Thessalon were arrested and face multiple drug and firearms charges.

Full test of the OPP news release follows:

Two individuals are facing numerous charges after failing to stop for police. On March 5, 2024 shortly before 2 p.m., the Sault Ste. Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Batchewana First Nation Police were notified that a vehicle had failed to stop for officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle on Sweet Grass Street in Garden River First Nation. A search of the vehicle yielded large quantities of various illicit drugs, including over 71 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 24 grams of suspected cocaine, over 18 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, and approximately 219 Percocet pills. Street value of the seized drugs is estimated at $17,000. Officers also located drug paraphernalia, over $2,000 in Canadian currency, and a replica firearm inside the vehicle.

As a result, the driver of the vehicle, 29-year-old Michael Hogan-Denis from Sault Ste. Marie, was arrested and charged with:
    •    Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking - Cocaine
    •    Possession of Schedule I Substance Trafficking - Methamphetamine
    •    Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking - Opioid - two counts
    •    Possession of Prohibited Device
    •    Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000
    •    Failure to Comply with Release Order - two counts
    •    Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order - three counts

The passenger of the vehicle, 25-year-old Bridgette Simons from Thessalon, was arrested and charged with:
    •    Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking - Cocaine
    •    Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking - Methamphetamine
    •    Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking - Opioid - two counts
    •    Possession of Prohibited Device
    •    Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000

Both accused individuals were remanded into custody, pending bail hearings.

Sault Ste. Marie OPP and Batchewana First Nation Police officers were assisted by the OPP Community Street Crime and Canine Units.