The OPP’s eye in the sky has led to two drug convictions.
Officers spotted marijuana plants at the Bracebridge residence of 32-year-old Adam C. Phibbs and the Gravenhurst residence of 29-year-old James M. Sedore from the air during helicopter flyovers on Aug. 23, a Bracebridge court heard last week.
Police executed a search warrant four days later on Phibbs’ Highway 118 East address near Spring Lake Road.
“The accused was not present,” said federal prosecutor Peter Heath. “His parents were present at the time.”
Heath said arrangements were made with Phibbs’ parents to have him turn himself in to officers at the Bracebridge OPP detachment, which he did on Aug. 29.
After admitting to the possession of two marijuana plants, Judge J.D. Evans sentenced Phibbs to a $1,000 fine, which he has three months to pay.
On the same day that Phibbs’ home was raided, police also executed a search warrant on Sedore’s address on Sedore Road. A subsequent search led to the seizure of 11 marijuana plants.
“The accused was not present at the time, his parents were,” said Heath. “Subsequently arrangements were made for this accused to turn himself in at the Bracebridge detachment.”
When Sedore turned himself in, Heath said he admitted to possession of all the plants, and that they were for personal use.
“I’m sorry, your honour,” Sedore said to Evans prior to sentencing.
As with Phibbs, Sedore also received a $1,000 fine, which he has three months to pay.