Woodstock Police Service briefs

Woodstock Police made three arrests and confiscated a quantity of illegal drugs on Aug. 22. (WPS Image)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Police combating open-air drug use in downtown core

The Woodstock Police Service (WPS) continues to respond to community concerns regarding open-air drug use in the downtown core.

Members of the WPS Street Crime Unit and uniform patrol conducted targeted enforcement in the downtown area on Aug. 19 in response to concerns from residents, businesses and community members.

Just before 10:30 a.m., officers observed a female consuming drugs in a public area. A 45-year-old Woodstock woman was arrested and charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance. Drug paraphernalia was seized, and the accused was released on an Appearance Notice with a future court date.

About 15 minutes later, police arrested a 45-year-old man after observing him engaged in drug consumption. He was charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Other Drugs. Drug paraphernalia was also seized, and the accused was released on an Appearance Notice.

20 minutes after that arrest, officers observed another male actively using drugs in the area. A 44-year-old man was arrested, and a subsequent search resulted in the seizure of suspected drugs. He was charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Opioid. The accused was released on an Undertaking.

As a result of the enforcement initiative, officers seized approximately 33.1 grams of suspected fentanyl, $467.60 in Canadian currency, and multiple pipes and other drug paraphernalia.

“The Woodstock Police Service recognizes that substance use and addiction are complex issues that require both enforcement and community-based supports. However, open-air drug use can create significant public safety concerns, particularly in areas frequented by residents, businesses, families and vulnerable members of the community,” said a WPS news release.

“WPS will continue to respond to complaints involving public drug consumption and drug trafficking and will take appropriate enforcement action where grounds exist. Enforcement efforts are focused on maintaining safe and accessible public spaces while disrupting the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs,” it added.

Woodstock Police lay multiple impaired driving charges

Police received a report of a transport truck stuck in a field at 2 a.m. on Aug. 21. Officers arrived and located a vehicle on an embankment near Oxford Road 4 and found a male inside the transport truck.

As a result of the investigation, a 53-year-old Woodstock male was arrested and charged with impaired driving by alcohol and drugs. The accused was released on an undertaking.

On the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 22, an officer on patrol observed a vehicle on James Street fail to stop at stop signs. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was subsequently arrested. A 79-year-old Woodstock male of Woodstock has been charged with impaired driving and dangerous driving.

On the evening of Aug. 22, an officer observed a vehicle travelling at a speed inconsistent with the posted speed limit. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was eventually arrested. Police say they located a small amount of suspected cocaine.

A 39-year-old Woodstock male was arrested and charged with impaired driving and Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine. The accused was released from custody with a future court date.

Police received a report of a possible impaired driver in a parking lot in the area of Dundas Street early in the morning of Aug. 23.

Officers located the vehicle, observed a woman enter the driver's seat, and conducted a traffic stop. During the investigation, an alert occurred, and a 34-year-old Port Loring woman was issued a seven-day driver's licence suspension.

“The Woodstock Police Service reminds motorists that impaired driving remains a serious public safety concern. Approved Screening Devices are an important roadside tool used by police to detect the presence of alcohol in a driver's body,” said a WPS press release.

“Drivers who register a fail may face arrest and further testing, while an alert reading can result in an immediate roadside driver's licence suspension,” it added.

Police say if you consume alcohol or drugs, plan ahead for a safe ride and never drive impaired. Anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver is encouraged to call 9-1-1.