(MIDDLESEX OPP)- On September 4, 2020 at 2:33 p.m. a member of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a driver using a cell phone while travelling on HWY 401 at Dorchester Rd., in the Municipality of Thames Centre. A traffic stop was conducted as a result of the cell phone infraction. During the course of the traffic stop the officer located a large quaintly of Canadian currency and dried cannabis within the interior of the motor vehicle.
Police have seized approximately $802,000 in dried, packaged cannabis and $130,000 in Canadian Currency from the motor vehicle. The two occupants were arrested at the scene and transported to the London OPP Detachment.
As a result of an investigation police have since charged Vasillaq KOCI – age 42- of Toronto, ON with:
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000 – in Canada as per section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CC)
Possession for the purpose of distributing as per section 9(2) of the Cannabis Act (CA)
Drive – hand-held communication device as per section 78.1(1) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
Police have also charged Ajet MAHMUTI – age 35- of Beeton ON with:
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000 – in Canada as per section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CC)
Possession for the purpose of distributing as per section 9(2) of the Cannabis Act (CA)
Both parties have been released from police custody and are scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice to speak to the charges on November 27, 2020.
The Middlesex OPP takes great pride in doing our part to help keep our communities safe and this investigation is another example of the dedicated work by all of our members to help remove the sale of illicit drugs from our streets.
The OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority. The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.