Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges in several unrelated incidents across the county, including the seizure of approximately 650,000 unmarked cigarettes, multiple impaired driving investigations, and a stunt driving occurrence.
Tobacco Seizure
On September 21, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., OPP were called to assist a Ministry of Transportation (MTO) officer during a vehicle stop on Telephone Road in the Municipality of Port Hope.
As a result of the investigation, officers seized approximately 650,000 unmarked cigarettes from the vehicle.
Kevon BECKFORD (47) of North York, was charged with:
– Trafficking in c ontraband tobacco
– Possess unmarked cigarettes for sale
– Possess unmarked cigarettes
– Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in December 2026.
Impaired Driving Investigations Following Collisions
On September 19, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle collision in the area of Concession Road 13 East and Pickins Road in the Municipality of Trent Hills.
Police determined that a passenger vehicle had entered a ditch. The driver was not injured. Following an impaired operation investigation, officers took the motorist into custody.
Emmanuel ADISA (28) of Hamilton, has been charged with:
– Operation while impair ed – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in October 2026.
On September 18, 2026, at approximately 4:10 p.m., Northumberland OPP and the local fire department responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision at Ganaraska Road and Forsythe Lane in the Municipality of Port Hope.
Officers arrived at the location where passenger vehicle had left the roadway and entered a ditch. Following speaking to the uninjured driver, police began an impaired operation investigation which resulted in the person being taken into custody.
Renato FAVRET (62) of Concord, has been charged with:
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
– Careless driving
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in October 2026.
Suspected Impaired Driver Reported by Public
On September 19, 2026, at approximately 3:15 p.m., OPP received a traffic complaint regarding a vehicle blocking a lane at an intersection on Dale Road in the Municipality of Port Hope.
Officers located the vehicle and, after speaking with the driver, initiated an impaired driving investigation.
Michael CASSIDY (58) of Port Hope, was arrested and charged with:
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in October 2026.
In each of the impaired driving incidents detailed above, the accused drivers received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and their vehicl es were impounded for seven days.
Learn more about the consequences and penalties of driving impaired at: Impaired driving | ontario.ca
Stunt Driving Charge
On September 22, 2026, shortly before 5:00 a.m., officers were conducting traffic enforcement on County Road 28 in the Municipality of Port Hope when a vehicle was observed travelling at 135 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone.
The vehicle was stopped and the 54-year-old male driver from Peterborough, was charged with:
– Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
– Fail to surrender insurance card
In addition to a future co urt date, the driver’s license was suspended for 30 days, and the vehicle was impounded for 14 days.
Road Safety Reminder
Northumberland OPP continues to remind motorists that impaired driving and excessive speed remain significant factors in serious collisions on Ontario roadways.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is entirely preventable. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead by arranging a designated driver, utilizing public transportation, calling a taxi, or staying overnight where they are.
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards, increases stopping distances, and significantly raises the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a collision. Drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits and adjust their driving to road, weather, and traffic conditions.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers or dangerous driving behavior by calling 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so.
Learn more about the consequences of impaired driving by visiting: www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving
Members of Northumberland OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 or www.stopcrimehere.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
