Police beat: Three people charged in drug trafficking investigation
WELLINGTON COUNTY, – Two people from Milton and one from Etobicoke have been arrested in a drug trafficking investigation that began in Wellington County.
On Jan. 13 at about 4:45am, Wellington County OPP helped execute a search warrant at a residence in Milton.
“The search resulted in the seizure of suspected methamphetamine, suspected cocaine, various weapons and ammunition, Canadian currency and indicia related to drug trafficking,” police stated in a press release.
The total value of the drugs and property seized is over $24,000, police added.
Milton residents Dylan Salter and Tyler Davis-Logan, both 25, as well as Kanaan Ebanks-Daley, 24, of Etobicoke, face various drug and firearm charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking meth and cocaine.
Assault with a weapon
ERIN - A local resident has been charged with assault with a weapon following an incident in Erin earlier this week.
Wellington County OPP officials say officers responded to an altercation outside a home in Erin on Jan. 18 at about 11:45pm.
“The victim did not sustain any injuries,” police stated in a press release.
Opkar Brar, 47, of Erin, was charged with assault with a weapon.
He is to appear in Guelph court on Feb. 17.
Credit card scam victim loses over $25,000
ROCKWOOD – Police are urging people to stay alert after yet another Wellington County resident recently fell victim to a scam, losing over $25,000.
Wellington County OPP officials say officers responded to a fraud report at a Rockwood residence on Jan. 5 at about 1pm.
“The victim was contacted by an unknown individual, claiming to be a representative from a local bank,” police stated in a Jan. 16 press release.
“The caller ‘spoofed’ their call display, so it would appear to the victim that they were calling from a legitimate financial institution.”
Police added, “The caller advised the victim ... their bank account was allegedly involved in fraudulent activity. The caller further stated that, to stop the fraud, they would need to scan the victim’s physical cards to determine the source of the issue.
“The caller directed the victim to place their bank cards in an envelope for a courier to collect from their residence.”
Police say that within an hour, “a brown male with a medium build and black hair, wearing gold jewelry and driving a white Tesla [SUV], collected the cards.”
The next morning, the victim’s actual bank notified them about suspicious activity and denied bank withdrawals from the GTA, Brampton and Pickering.
Police say the victim lost over $25,000.
The OPP noted a similar incident occurred on Jan. 7 in Guelph/Eramosa, where a victim was contacted by a fraudster who suggested the victim’s credit card be cut up and put in their mailbox for a courier to collect.
Cosmetics theft
MOUNT FOREST – Police are requesting the public’s help to identify a theft suspect.
On Jan. 12 at about 10am, Wellington County OPP responded to a theft at a business on Main Street North in Mount Forest.
“A suspect failed to pay for over $1,000 worth of cosmetics before leaving the store,” police stated in a press release.
Police did not provide the name of the business.
Photographs of the suspect and suspect vehicle are included above.
Commercial vehicle charges
MINTO – A business and driver are charged following a traffic stop here last week.
Wellington County OPP officials say West Region traffic officers were “conducting proactive traffic enforcement” on Wellington Road 6 on Jan. 16 at about 2:20pm.
A 53-year-old from Mississauga was charged with driving a commercial motor vehicle without a valid certificate and improper mudguards.
The driver, who is to appear in Guelph court at a later date, was also given four warnings for other violations, including driving with a load not properly secured.
A Hamilton business was charged with six commercial vehicle violations, including failing to ensure periodic inspections and maintenance are carried out.
The accused is to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
Bad brakes, plates
PALMERSTON – A local resident faces numerous charges following a traffic stop here last week.
On Jan. 13 at about 3:30pm, a Wellington County OPP officer monitoring on Lowe Street in Palmerston was notified of a vehicle with unauthorized plates via the cruiser’s automatic license plate recognition system.
A 40-year-old from Palmerston was charged with driving while suspended, using unauthorized plates, driving without insurance and driving with defective brakes.
The accused is to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
Winter driving tips
LONDON – With yet another major winter storm hitting southwestern Ontario last week, West Region OPP officials are providing winter driving tips for area residents.
“If you absolutely must drive, it’s critical to your safety that you plan for the trip, even if it’s a short one,” polcie stated in a Jan. 15 press release.
“Safe winter driving means motorists should expect the unexpected and prepare for it.”
Police are offering the following tips:
– consider delaying your trip until the weather improves (snowplow operators need time to clear the roads);
– be sure to check the current and forecasted weather conditions and monitor the media for weather and road conditions;
– plan your trip before starting out (for road conditions visit 511on.ca or municipal511.ca);
– ensure your fuel tank is full before hitting the road (if you encounter a lengthy traffic delay, you’ll need your vehicle’s heater to stay warm);
– be sure to dress for winter even though you’ll be in your car (you’ll be protected if you become stranded); and
– carry a winter driving survival kit in your vehicle (recommended items include a shovel, blanket, warm clothes, food, booster cables, flashlight, high energy foods, matches and a candle).
For more winter driving tips, police suggest visiting mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml.
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Anyone with information about any of the above incidents can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at csgw.tips.