Three people face charges after Stratford police seized $180,000 of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs during a routine RIDE program traffic stop in Stratford Thursday night.
Police said officers were conducting the RIDE (Reduce Impaired Drivers Everywhere) program stop on Huron Street at York Street shortly before 10 pm when they stopped a white Chevrolet Equinox with three occupants. Police said the driver allegedly had a suspended license, so she was arrested. Upon a subsequent search of the vehicle, police allege officers found a prohibited knife, as well as suspected methamphetamine and other drugs.
Police then arrested the two other occupants of the vehicle. The driver was identified as a 40-year-old woman from Windsor while the passengers were identified as 44-year-old Windsor man and a 41-year-old Ridgetown man.
As a result of a more detailed search, police said officers reportedly found 518 grams of methamphetamine, 435 grams of fentanyl, six grams of cocaine, 24 hydromorphone pills, 33 grams of cannabis and more than $8,000 in cash. Police said the estimated value of all seized items was more than $180,000. Police said officers also reportedly found a second prohibited knife and bear spray.
All three accused were charged with drugs and weapons offences. They remain in police custody.