A 21-year-old man from Mississauga is confronting serious drug trafficking and firearms charges following a traffic collision on a major Ottawa highway this week, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
Collision Leads to Arrest
Just after 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, OPP officers responded to a report of a collision on Highway 417, westbound near Maitland Avenue. Upon investigating the crash, police arrested one of the drivers involved for the offence of careless driving.
Vehicle Search Uncovers Drugs, Leads to Additional Charges
A subsequent search of the man's vehicle, conducted by officers, allegedly revealed a significant quantity of illicit substances. This discovery prompted far more serious allegations beyond the initial traffic violation.
The accused has been identified as Jayden Dunkley, aged 21, of Mississauga. Following the investigation, the OPP laid a series of criminal charges against him in a news release issued on Tuesday.
List of Charges Laid
The charges filed against Jayden Dunkley include:
- Possession of over 30 grams of dried cannabis in a public place
- Possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of a Schedule I substance (an opioid other than heroin) for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order
- Careless driving
Dunkley was held for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in an Ottawa courtroom at a future date to answer to these charges.
The incident underscores how routine traffic enforcement can sometimes lead to the uncovering of more significant criminal activity. The OPP has not released further details regarding the exact type or quantity of drugs seized, nor the circumstances of the firearm-related charge.
