A suspect arrested more than two weeks ago, after Lambton OPP seized a loaded gun and suspected drugs during a traffic stop, was granted $50,000 lease Friday.
The Lambton OPP community street crimes unit pulled over a vehicle on Cameron Street in St. Clair Township Aug. 30 amid a drug trafficking investigation, police said at the time. During the traffic stop, officers allegedly found a loaded, prohibited firearm and suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and hydromorphone.
A suspect, on release with conditions due to a previous trafficking charge, was arrested, police said. Lambton OPP released two photos from the alleged seizure including what appears to be a black handgun, drugs and cash.
Elijah Francique, 22, of Scarborough, was charged with three counts of careless storage of a firearm, two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and single counts of drug possession, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a weapon, knowledge of unauthorized possession of a weapon, occupying a vehicle knowing there was a prohibited weapon, and failing to comply with a release order.
Francique was held in custody pending a bail hearing, police said. That hearing was held Friday in a Sarnia courtroom, where justice of the peace Debra Isaac granted bail for a $50,000 pledge. He’ll be living under house arrest with his mother in Scarborough and is banned from weapons, illegal drug paraphernalia, and coming to Lambton County except for court appearances.
Other than the release terms, most of what was said during the hearing, which lasted for several hours, is covered by a publication ban.