South Bruce OPP report drug seizure; and weapons incident

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DRUG SEIZURE

(PAISLEY, ON) - April 18, at 2:31 a.m., officers with the South Bruce OPP stopped to check a vehicle along Queen Street North in Paisley.

Three occupants were identified by officers - one was found to be in contravention of release conditions, while another was subject to an active warrant. A search incident to arrest led to the seizure of a large quantity of illicit drugs.

As a result of the investigation, the South Bruce OPP has charged the following individuals:

William DOWLING, 59, of the Town of Saugeen Shores:
 

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts)
• Possession of a Schedule I substance

Brendan FLEMING, 39, of the Municipality of Kincardine:
 

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts)
• Failure to comply with release order
• Possession of a Schedule I substance

Joanna RITCHIE, 29, of Saugeen First Nation:
 

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts)
• Possession of a Schedule I substance

The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $36,600. The accused parties were held for a bail hearing in Walkerton.

ARREST MADE IN WEAPONS INCIDENT

(KINCARDINE, ON) - March 3, at 9:53 p.m., the South Bruce OPP received the report of a male brandishing a handgun outside of a business along Queen Street in Kincardine.

April 16, the South Bruce OPP Major Crimes Unit, assisted by the West Region Tactics and Rescue Unit and the West Region Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant at a residence in South Bruce.

As a result of the executed search warrant, police seized three imitation firearms and ammunition (right).

The OPP has charged Gerry SIMOES, 42, of the Municipality of South Bruce with:
 

• Assault with a Weapon
• Imitation Firearm - Use while committing offence
• Possession of an imitation firearm weapon for a dangerous purpose

The accused was held for a bail hearing and was subsequently remanded into custody.

*THESE CHARGES HAVE YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.