NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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BLIND RIVER - On Dec. 2, 2017 at approximately 6:14 a.m., members of the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) became aware of a west bound traffic complaint on Highway 17 in the Algoma Mills area. The vehicle was reported to be driving dangerously.
Police located the suspect vehicle a short time later on Causley Street in the town of Blind River and a traffic stop was conducted. When police spoke to the male driver, it was learned that he was a suspended driver and there was a warrant out for his arrest. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a loaded .44 calibre handgun, 90.29 grams of fentanyl, 26.73 grams of heroin, and $1,705 in cash.
The Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) assisted with the investigation.
The driver and passenger were subsequently arrested.
James Bernardi, 36 years of age, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., was charged with:
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88 of the Criminal Code (CC)
- Carrying concealed weapon, contrary to section 90 of the CC
- Breach of firearms regulation - transport firearm or restricted weapon, contrary to section 86(2) of the CC
- Transport firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner, contrary to section 86(1) of the CC
- Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, contrary to section 94 of the CC
- Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, contrary to section 95(a) of the CC
- Possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime, contrary to section 96(a) of the CC
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - heroin, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - other drugs, contrary to section 5(2) of the (CDSA)
- Fail to comply with recognizance (three counts), contrary to section 145(3) of the CC
Darren Nocioli, 42 years of age, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., was charged with:
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88 of the Criminal Code (CC)
- Carrying concealed weapon, contrary to section 90 of the CC
- Breach of firearms regulation - transport firearm or restricted weapon, contrary to section 86(2) of the CC
- Transport firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner, contrary to section 86(1) of the CC
- Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, contrary to section 94 of the CC
- Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, contrary to section 95(a) of the CC
- Possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime, contrary to section 96(a) of the CC
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Heroin, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - other drugs, contrary to section 5(2) of the (CDSA)
Both accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River, Ont. on Dec. 3, 2017.
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