Just before 5:00 p.m. on December 1st, 2022, we received a call from a concerned community member regarding a woman operating a motor vehicle in an erratic manner, with a male passenger, travelling Eastbound on MR 35 in Greater Sudbury. Information provided was that the woman was crossing over both lanes of traffic, almost driving into the ditch and appeared to be having trouble keeping her head up.

Based on vehicle descriptors provided, Police located the vehicle at 5:09 p.m. on Lorne Street in Greater Sudbury and initiated a traffic stop.

When Officers spoke with the woman, she showed signs of impairment. They also observed several pieces of burnt and crumpled tinfoil on the floor of the vehicle near her feet. Based on these observations, Officers conducted a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) on the woman resulting in her being arrested for Impaired Driving. A Drug Recognition Evaluation was later conducted confirming that she was Impaired by Drug.

Officers proceeded to conduct a preliminary search of the vehicle at which point a large quantity of drug paraphernalia was located in the driving compartment. During this time, the male passenger of the vehicle began to flee on foot.

After a short foot pursuit, Officers arrested the man and subsequently discovered a large quantity of Canadian currency as well as Fentanyl on his person.

Officers completed a search of the vehicle and seized all items believed to be drugs, drug paraphernalia or evidence of drug trafficking. The following drugs were seized:

  • 87.63 grams of suspected Fentanyl
  • 2.82 grams of suspected Crystal Meth
  • 2.01 grams of suspected Crack Cocaine

The total value of the drugs seized is $35,532. In addition, Police also seized five rounds of .556 caliber bullets, a digital scale, several cellphones and $2,090 in cash.

As a result, 36-year old Ashley Labonte was charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada and the CDSA:

  • Operation While Impaired – Drug
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (x3)
  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

Labonte was also charged with Driving while Under Suspension, under the Highway Traffic Act.

23-year old Dangelo Forde was charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada and the CDSA:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (x3)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Possession of Ammunition

Both Ashley Labonte and Dangelo Forde appeared in bail court on today’s date to answer to the charges and have been remanded into custody. Labonte will appear in bail court again on December 5th, 2022 and Forde will appear in bail court again on Dec 6th, 2022.

We wish to thank the community member who called 911 upon witnessing an impaired driver. We continue to urge community members to call 911 when you see an impaired driver and to provide as much information as possible regarding the make, model and licence plate of the vehicle, as well as the direction of travel. Your call could save lives.

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