Provincial police in Dryden stopped a motorist at a RIDE check over the weekend and laid charges.[1] The check happened on a Sunday evening at around 9 p.m. local time on Highway 594 near Gordon Road in Dryden.[1] The driver was a man from Fort Frances.[1] He was charged under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act with unlawfully possessing a firearm at night.[1] He was also charged under the province’s Cannabis Control Act with having cannabis readily available in a vehicle.[1]

Officers said the shotgun was not stored in accordance with legal requirements after hunting hours.[1] Police said numerous cannabis products were also readily accessible in the vehicle.[1] Police said the cannabis products were seized.[1] The accused allegedly had the weapon outside its case more than half an hour after sunset in an area where wildlife was expected.[1]

The Dryden OPP reminded hunters and motorists to ensure firearms are transported and stored safely in compliance with provincial regulations.[1] Police added that cannabis must be stored appropriately and kept out of reach while operating or travelling in a motor vehicle.[1]