FORT FRANCES – Two Fort Frances-area residents face drug trafficking charges after allegedly fleeing police last month.
Ontario Provincial Police officers were conducting a patrol in the town of Fort Frances around 12:45 a.m. on June 22 when they observed a rental car parked in a parking lot, according to an OPP release.
After officers approached the vehicle, the two occupants fled, and a further investigation revealed evidence of drug activity, police said.
A search of the vehicle revealed around 580 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, over $19,000 in cash, three cell phones, scales, and other evidence of drug trafficking, the OPP stated.
Richard Ronmark, 43, of Fort Frances, and Diane Smith, 46, of Naicatchewenin First Nation, were later arrested and now face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Ronmark appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on July 1 to answer to the charges, while Smith is set to appear on Aug. 15.
Anyone with information relating to the investigation are urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
