Two people were arrested early this morning after officers seized approximately $175,786 in suspected cocaine and fentanyl, as well as a crossbow and a loaded handgun.
The two accused, Jason Lanktree and Tara Stiber, were found asleep in a vehicle on Alexandra Street around 2:30 this morning, says a release from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
The narcotics and weapons were located during a search of the vehicle.
Full text of the news release follows:
On Jan. 30, 2023, officers with Patrol Services charged 38-year-old Jason Lanktree and 33-year-old Tara Stiber with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Around 2:30 a.m., officers observed a vehicle parked on Alexandra Street. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers observed the driver, Jason Lanktree, and the passenger, Tara Stiber, both asleep in the vehicle. Officers also observed a clear plastic bag with what appeared to be cocaine on the driver’s lap.
Officers were able to wake the two and they were arrested. During a subsequent search, officers located approximately 1,013 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine, approximately 186 grams of a substance believed to be fentanyl, a crossbow, a loaded .22 calibre handgun and ammunition. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $175,786.
Jason Lanktree is charged with
• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and/or Drug
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose x2
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Knowingly Possessing an Unauthorized Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Tara Stiber is charged with
• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose x2
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Knowingly Possessing an Unauthorized Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.