The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) has made an arrest and laid drug trafficking charges following a reported altercation at a residence on Fifth Avenue West, during which two men attempted to flee from police.
The accused, Zachariah Ristic, 31-year-old, male, of, North Bay Ontario, has been charged with:
- Assault
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order
The co-accused, Iftikhar Khan, 37-year-old, male, of, North Bay Ontario, has been charged with:
- Assault
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Two Counts of Fail to Comply with Probation Order
On March 29, NBPS responded to a report of an altercation involving two accused and a victim, who were known to one another, in the 300 block of Fifth Avenue West. Upon police arrival, both accused attempted to flee the scene. A brief foot pursuit ensued, before both were arrested. Following their apprehension, a search of the accused, Ristic, revealed suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, believed to be intended for trafficking.
Subsequent search led to the seizure of the following items:
- Controlled substances including:
- 1 gram Fentanyl
- 16 grams Methamphetamine
- 11 grams Cocaine
- $178 Canadian currency
"Patrol Section members responded with professionalism and courage, diffusing a tense situation to protect the public and prevent further harm,” said A/Insp. Hampel.
The accused and co-accused were arrested and held in custody pending a bail hearing.