Three residents of Pembroke are facing several charges after a recent impaired driving investigation resulted in the discovery of suspected fentanyl and cocaine.
On February 22, at around 7:00 p.m., officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in the Whitewater Region. The officers located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop on Paul Martin Drive in the City of Pembroke.
During the investigation, a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was conducted, followed by further testing from a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officer at the detachment. These tests led to the seizure of approximately 100 grams of suspected cocaine and a smaller amount of suspected fentanyl.
As a result of the investigation, 47-year-old Bradley Doell has been charged with multiple offences. These include operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs, operating a vehicle while prohibited, possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine), and driving while under suspension. Doell’s driver’s licence was immediately suspended for 90 days, and his vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days.
In addition to Doell, two passengers in the vehicle, 44-year-old Maydina Gareau and 43-year-old Crystal Gohr, are also facing charges. Both Gareau and Gohr have been charged with possession of a Schedule I substance, specifically cocaine. Furthermore, Gohr is facing an additional charge of possession of fentanyl, another Schedule I substance.
All three individuals were released from custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on April 1st.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of local authorities to address impaired driving and drug-related crimes in the region.
(Written by: Emma Butler)