Over the weekend, the Greater Sudbury Police Service conducted a R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) spot check on Frood Road at Burton Ave to ensure driver sobriety and community safety.

Just after 1:00 a.m. on September 29th, 2024, while interacting with the driver and sole occupant of one of the motor vehicles passing through the spot check, Officers could smell the odour of cannabis emanating from inside the vehicle. When asked about the odour, the driver denied using or carrying cannabis in the vehicle. Despite Officers explaining to the driver that they had reasonable grounds to believe that cannabis was in the vehicle and that they had authority to search him and the vehicle pursuant to the Cannabis Control Act, the driver continuously refused to exit the vehicle in order for police to conduct a search.

The man was subsequently arrested and charged with Obstruct Police contrary to Sec. 129(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Upon searching the vehicle, Police located approximately three grams of dried cannabis, a scale, 32 grams of drugs believed to be cocaine, three cell phones, a handgun and ammunition.

The driver, 22-year old, Keegan Coufal, was additionally charged with the following offences:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking - Schedule I contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm contrary to Sec. 91(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
  • Unauthorized Possession in a Motor Vehicle contrary to Sec. 94(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
  • Prohibited/Restricted Firearm with Ammunition contrary to Sec. 95(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
  • Tampering with the Serial Number contrary to Sec. 108(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
  • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose contrary to Sec. 88 of the Criminal Code of Canada
  • Have Care and Control of Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available contrary to Sec. 12(1) of the Cannabis Control Act

 He was held in police custody and attended Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on September 29th, 2024, to answer to the charges.

 The Greater Sudbury Police Service will continue holding random R.I.D.E. checks throughout Greater Sudbury anywhere, at any time.

 Always plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home. If you see an impaired driver, call 911.

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