OPP: Excessive Smoke Leads to Impaired Driving Arrest

Brockville – A commercial vehicle stop has led to impaired driving and drug possession charges for one individual.

On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, shortly after 9:30 a.m., a member of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Highway Safety Division observed a transport truck emitting an excessive amount of smoke while travelling on Highway 401 near the City of Brockville. The vehicle was stopped, and suspected drugs were observed inside the cabin.

Members of the Leeds County Detachment of the OPP, along with members of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) and a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) from Leeds OPP, assisted with the investigation. Officers seized approximately 300 to 400 capsules containing suspected drugs.

As a result of the investigation, 42-year-old Gursharnjit OTAL of British Columbia has been charged with the following offences:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Failure or refusal to comply with the demand
• Possession of a Schedule I substance – two counts
• Drive a commercial motor vehicle with a major defect in it or in drawn vehicle
• Unreasonable smoke

The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville later today, September 25, 2025. Their driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and the transport truck was towed and impounded for seven days.

“Safety drives success-highway safety is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving. An impaired person has no place behind the wheel,” said Acting Inspector J. (Brian) Jones, Interim Detachment Commander

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you witness dangerous or erratic driving behaviour, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.