An Ontario Provincial Police traffic stop triggered by a vehicle moving too slowly in the passing lane on Highway 401 has resulted in a major bust, with two Toronto-area men now facing a litany of drug and theft-related charges.
Slow Driving Draws Police Attention
The incident unfolded shortly after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, near Brockville. An alert OPP officer noticed an SUV with obscured windows travelling in the passing lane for an extended period, contrary to the basic rule of keeping right except to pass.
The officer initiated a stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, police quickly spotted suspected drugs and stolen property inside, leading to the immediate arrest of both occupants.
A Cache of Contraband Uncovered
A subsequent search of the SUV revealed a significant haul of illicit items. The seizure included:
- Contraband cigarettes
- Seven vehicle key fobs
- A device commonly used to reprogram vehicle key fobs
- Other items associated with vehicle break-ins
- Multiple cellphones
- Quantities of cannabis and suspected cocaine
- Plastic bags with suspected methamphetamine residue
The discovery prompted police to lay more than 30 criminal charges against the two men.
Charges and Custody
The accused have been identified as Shane Persad, 38, of Etobicoke, and Jagdeep Dhaliwal, 31. The lengthy list of charges includes theft of a motor vehicle and possession of break-in instruments.
The driver also faces a provincial traffic charge for failing to keep right when driving at less than normal speed—the infraction that first drew the officer's scrutiny.
Both men remain in custody and were scheduled for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on Thursday, December 18.
The case serves as a stark reminder that seemingly minor traffic violations can sometimes uncover much more serious criminal activity, putting other drivers at risk. The OPP's proactive stop on one of Ontario's busiest highways has taken a significant quantity of drugs and suspected stolen goods off the streets.
