Traffic stop in Tweed leads to multiple charges for repeat offender

After noticing a driver who was known to be prohibited from being behind the wheel, a police officer on patrol in Central Hastings has arrested a man who is no stranger to the regional justice system.

According to the Central Hastings Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), an officer on general patrol in the municipality of Tweed took note of the driver at approximately 2:40 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. The officer conducted a traffic stop as “the identity of the male driver was known to police and his driving status was confirmed prohibited,” police said in a media release the following day.

An investigation ensued, and police found further reason to arrest and charge the driver, seizing multiple items related to his charges in the process, according to the OPP. Items seized included approximately $4,000 in cash, suspected cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl, and suspected drug trafficking paraphernalia.

As a result, Nathan Dobratz, 39, of no fixed address, is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code of Canada (CC):

• Three counts of failure to comply with an undertaking
• Three counts of failure to comply with a prohibition order
• Operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited
• Possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000 – under CC Section 354(1)(a)
• Possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000 – under CC Section 355(b)
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking

Dobratz was further charged with possession of unmarked cigarettes under the Tobacco Tax Act and using a licence plate not authorized for the motor vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act. The vehicle in question was impounded.

Dobratz has been arrested and charged multiple times throughout the eastern Ontario region, including in the Quinte, Central Hastings, Deseronto, and Kingston areas.