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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported that their automatic licence plate recognition (ALPR) systems led to the identification of a suspended driver along with the seizure of significant illicit drugs, valued at around $20,000.
On April 17, law enforcement officials executed a traffic stop on Highway 11, situated in the township of Armour, which is approximately one hour south of North Bay.
The technology that tracks licence plates alerted officers to the presence of a suspended driver. In addition to apprehending the driver, officers discovered and seized a variety of illegal substances, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, Oxycodone pills, as well as paraphernalia such as a digital scale, baggies, a debt list, and cell phones.
Both the driver, a 37-year-old, and a 56-year-old passenger from West Nipissing were taken into custody. They now face multiple charges, including possession of controlled substances with intent to traffic, specifically cocaine, opioids, and methamphetamine. The driver is also charged with operating a vehicle while under suspension.
The use of ALPR technology has been expanding among police departments across Ontario as a means to enhance road safety. These systems utilize cameras that automatically capture images of licence plates within their range. As the device scans, it identifies plates that match those flagged on a watchlist, allowing for prompt police response.
Source
globalnews.ca