Three people, including two individuals from southern Ontario, were arrested following a traffic stop and investigation into drug-trafficking activity Tuesday morning.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers were in the area near Donald Street West and Frontenac Street just before 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2 when they observed a motorist in a sedan failing to stop at a stop sign.
A traffic stop was conducted without incident. When police approached the vehicle they observed signs the female driver and her two passengers were possibly involved in drug-trafficking activity.
An investigation revealed the occupants of the vehicle were in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine, a quantity of cash believed to have been obtained via drug-trafficking activity, and paraphernalia consistent with drug use.
During the interaction one of the vehicle’s occupants provided police with a false identity. Further investigation revealed the suspect’s identity.
Three suspects, one male and two females, were arrested without further incident and transported to the TBPS headquarters at 1200 Balmoral Street.
Melissa GIROUX, 40, of Barrie, Ont., is charged with:
• Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
Katherine Lee HANLEY, 31, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Obstruct Peace Officer
• Failure to Comply with Judicial Release x 2
Linval Jamal SORZANO, 38, of Brampton, Ont., is charged with:
• Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
All three appeared in bail court on Wednesday, Feb. 3. GIROUX and SORZANO were remanded into custody with future appearance dates. HANLEY is expected to be released with conditions and a future appearance date.