Northumberland OPP are reporting the seizure of approximately 650,000 unmarked cigarettes as part of a roundup of unrelated incidents across the county.
Police say officers were called to assist an MTO officer during a vehicle stop on Telephone Road in Port Hope on September 21.
As a result of the investigation, officers seized the cigarettes from the vehicle.
Kevon Beckford, 47, of North York, has been charged with trafficking in contraband tobacco, possessing unmarked cigarettes for sale, possessing unmarked cigarettes and driving a vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available.
He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in December.
Three impaired driving investigations
Northumberland OPP are also reporting three separate impaired driving investigations following collisions and a traffic complaint.
On September 19, officers responded to a single-vehicle collision near Concession Road 13 East and Pickins Road in Trent Hills. Police say the vehicle entered a ditch and the driver was not injured.
Emmanuel Adisa, 28, of Hamilton, was charged with operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of 80-plus.
Earlier that day, officers and the local fire department responded to a single-vehicle collision at Ganaraska Road and Forsythe Lane in Port Hope.
Police say the vehicle had left the roadway and entered a ditch. Renato Favret, 62, of Concord, was charged with operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of 80-plus, operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs, and careless driving.
Police also responded to a traffic complaint on Dale Road in Port Hope on September 19 after a vehicle was reported blocking a lane.
Michael Cassidy, 58, of Port Hope, was charged with operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of 80-plus and operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs.
All three accused drivers received 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspensions, and their vehicles were impounded for seven days.
Peterborough driver charged with stunt driving
Northumberland OPP say officers conducting traffic enforcement on County Road 28 in Port Hope on September 22 observed a vehicle travelling 135 kilometres per hour in an 80-kilometre-per-hour zone.
The 54-year-old Peterborough driver was charged with stunt driving and failing to surrender an insurance card.
His licence was suspended for 30 days and the vehicle was impounded for 14 days.
The OPP is reminding drivers that impaired driving and excessive speed can increase the risk and severity of collisions, and is encouraging motorists to plan ahead and obey posted speed limits.
(Branden Rushton)
