Sunday, January 19, 2003

HIGHWAY 17 NORTH CLOSED
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

The O.P.P. in conjunction with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario would like to advise you that Highway 17 North of Sault Ste. Marie is closed from the weigh scales at Heyden to the junction of Highway 101 at Wawa.

At 4pm today the highway had been closed from Batchewana to Wawa but at 4:50p.m. the closure was extended to start at Heyden.

The closure is necessary due to blowing snow and poor road conditions. When the situation changes, it will be posted here.

The highway was still closed at 9:30 p.m.
The highway was still closed at 11:00 p.m.

For updates by phone, you can call the MTO hotline at 945-5924.


DRUG SEIZURE AND FIREARMS OFFENCE
Echo Bay, Ont.

On Friday at 10:30 p.m., the North Bay Communication Centre received a 911 hang-up call regarding a residence in the Echo Bay Area. Sault detachment police responded to 282 Porchuck Road, Laird Township, only to find the residence in darkness.

Upon entering, several unsecured firearms were found and further inspection revealed a quantity of Cannabis Resin with a street value of approximately $600 was also located.

Roland Pearson, age 49, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and several firearms offences. The investigation is continuing.