On the evening of October 1, 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Northumberland responded to a traffic complaint that set off a chain of events leading to the arrest of a Cobourg man. Shortly after 9:00 p.m., officers were alerted to a vehicle being driven erratically on Theatre Road in the Township of Hamilton.

While patrolling the area, officers located the vehicle, which matched the description provided in the complaint, on William Street in Cobourg. The vehicle had entered a commercial parking lot, and officers initiated a traffic stop. Upon speaking with the driver, 46-year-old Luke Bateman, they discovered that he was prohibited from driving due to prior convictions.

A search of Bateman’s vehicle revealed multiple black plastic bags containing loose cannabis material. As a result of the findings, the vehicle was impounded for a period of 45 days, and Bateman was charged with several offences under cannabis legislation. Specifically, he faces charges of possessing over 30 grams of dried cannabis in a public place, cultivating or harvesting cannabis plants outside of a dwelling, and operating a vehicle while prohibited.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in November, where he will face the charges. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding cannabis misuse and the importance of adhering to driving regulations.

The OPP encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected unlawful activities to help maintain safe communities. As cannabis regulations continue to evolve in Canada, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the legal responsibilities that come with cannabis possession and use.