Toronto drug squad cop facing 7 charges after arrest in Peel

A veteran officer with Toronto police's drug squad is facing multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, after he allegedly tried to evade police during a traffic stop in Mississauga.

Peel Regional Police said they initially received a call about an impaired driver in the area of Courtney Park Drive and Hurontario Street just before 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Officers found the vehicle and "attempted to stop it," Const. Moulika Sharma said in an email.

Multiple Peel police cruisers were damaged during the incident and two officers were taken to hospital with minor injuries, Sharma said.

The suspect, a 37-year-old detective constable with 13 years of service with Toronto police, was eventually arrested and charged with:

• Driving while impaired by alcohol.

• Driving while impaired with a blood alcohol level over 80 milligrams.

• Possession of methamphetamines for the purpose of trafficking.

• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

• Failure to stop after an accident.

• Flight from a peace officer.

The officer, who resides in Brampton, has been suspended with pay, a spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service said in an email.

According to Ontario's Sunshine List, he was paid about $137,500 in 2023.