Friday, May 2, 2003

$500,000 DRUG SEIZURE
Heyden, Ont.,

As a result of a joint investigation with members of the White River O.P.P. detachment and The Joint Forces Drug Unit in Sault Ste. Marie, a drug seizure yesterday netted over half a million dollars worth of illegal drugs.

At about 2:00 p.m. yesterday, officers from the Joint Forces Drug Unit checked a southbound vehicle on Hwy 17 in the Heyden area. The vehicle had been in the White River area earlier yesterday and came to the attention of uniform members from the White River OPP detachment.

As a result of this investigation, the Joint Forces Drug Unit recovered fifty-six pounds of marihuana from the vehicle. The estimated street value of the drugs is about $508,000.00.

Two men from Southern Ontario are in police custody and will appear in Sault Ste. Marie bail court this afternoon to answer to the charge.

Thirty-one-year-old James Paquette of Garnaby Cres in Kitchener and nineteen-year-old Michael Vanhorn of Eby Street in Kitchener are each facing a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking.


GOULAIS RIVER BREAK AND ENTER
Goulais River, Ont.,

Sault Ste. Marie O.P.P. were called to the Goulais River General Store on Hwy 552 yesterday morning after the owner found that someone tried to enter the store in the middle of the night. The thieves were not successful in their attempt to get into the business.


BATCHAWANA BREAK IN
Batchawana, Ont.,

Sault Ste. Marie O.P.P. were also called to a break and enter at a seasonal motel in the Batchawana area yesterday.

At about 3:00 p.m. the caretaker of the motel discovered that someone had forced their way into the structure. Several household items were removed.

Another reminder that Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma is offering double the cash rewards for the month of May on any tips that lead to solving any break and enters. Call Crime Stoppers at 942-7867 or 1-800-222-TIPS(8477)