OPP finds homemade explosive during drug stop on Highway 17

Officers with the Kenora OPP’s Explosives Disposal Unit were called to assist with a traffic stop Thursday night on Highway 17A. Photo courtesy of the Kenora OPP.

A 28-year-old Calgary, AB man is facing a number of charges, including possessing a homemade explosive, a firearm and methamphetamine after a traffic stop on Highway 17A on Thursday.

The OPP’s Explosives Disposal Unit was called to the scene once the explosive was found within the vehicle. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Officers also found a restricted firearm and a quantity of methamphetamine during their search.

The Kenora OPP says the traffic stop took place at 9:50 p.m. for Highway Traffic Act offences. Officers learned the driver was also impaired and he was placed under arrest.

As a result, 28-year-old Ian Hewitt of Calgary, AB is facing charges of:

– Explosives – Making or Possessing for Unlawful Purpose,
– Unauthorized Possession of Firearm,
– Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition,
– Carrying Concealed Weapon,
– Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x 4,
– Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm/Ammunition,
– Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs,
– Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine,

Hewitt has been held for bail.

Anyone with any information regarding the trafficking of illegal drugs in the region is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or through Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestoppers.ca.