Two Charged with Possession of Cocaine for Purpose of Trafficking
On January 4, 2025, officers with Patrol Services, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Unit, charged 39-year-old Tyler Clarke (hereafter referred to as the first accused) and 41-year-old Aaron Gridzak (hereafter referred to as the second accused) with possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Around 1:30 a.m., officers patrolling Bay Street saw a vehicle with very dark tinted windows and conducted a traffic stop. Upon speaking with the driver (the second accused) and passenger (the first accused), officers developed grounds to believe there was cannabis within immediate reach of the driver. Both accused were placed under investigative detention under the Cannabis Control Act.
A search of the vehicle—and later, a search of the accused—located approximately 58 grams of suspected cocaine, drug packaging materials, a digital scale, multiple cannabis products, alcohol, and approximately $2,000 in Canadian currency. These items, along with the vehicle, were seized. The estimated street value of drugs seized is $5,800.
Both accused were arrested.
The first accused is charged with:
- Possession of Schedule I Substance for Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
The second accused is charged with:
- Possession of Schedule I Substance for Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Drive with Window Coated – View Obstructed (under the Highway Traffic Act)
- Obstruct Plate (under the Highway Traffic Act)
- No Clear View to Front (under the Highway Traffic Act)
- Drive Without Proper Rear Light – Motor Vehicle (under the Highway Traffic Act)
- Driving Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available (under the Liquor Licence and Control Act)
- Have Care or Control of Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available (under the Cannabis Control Act)
Both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.
