 By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Police Services Board wants to ensure that policing is aligned with the community’s evolving needs, values and expectations; to that end they have created the role of Chief Governance Officer, or ‘CGO’.
 Fred Kaustinen first Chief Governance Officer for the Halton Police Service Board. It is part of Halton Police Board’s comprehensive board-modernization initiative.
The CGO will help modernize the Board’s policies and plans, create a new reporting and evaluation system, and develop a state-of-the-art governance training program.
The Board has appointed Fred Kaustinen as the first Chief Governance Officer.
Oakville Councillor and Chair of the Halton Police Board, Jeff Knoll said “Kaustinen is the foremost expert on police governance in Canada. He has a wealth of experience working with the Ontario, Alberta and Canadian Police Governance Associations, plus the Manitoba Police Commission and numerous municipal and First Nations police boards.”.
Kaustinen, in a media release from the Board said: “The members of the Halton Police Board are recognized for their openness to new ideas, creativity, and relentless pursuit of service excellence. The progress we can make as a team of innovative leaders will set new national standards for police governance. It’s a really exciting opportunity for the whole community.”
We had a number of questions about the appointment including:
Is this a full time job for the CGO?
He reports to the Board – correct?
While he would not be involved in operations – to what degree can he probe, look and investigate if necessary?
Is this an appointment with a time frame?
Was the job advertised?
We will let you know when we get answers.
 By Staff
July 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On July 12, 2021, at 3:30pm, two suspects entered the Sephora store at Mapleview mall. After a few minutes, the suspects made their way to the back corner of the store where they proceeded to place $1,450 worth of skin care products in shopping bags. The suspects continued shopping for a few minutes before leaving the store without paying for the items.
 It’s all very casual – these young people walk in and put expensive products in a shopping bag and walk out with out paying. Pretty brazen. This was happening at LCBO stores. Now it is being seen in high end products. Suspect #1: female, white, blond hair, wearing white tank top, white crocks and blue denim. The suspect was also wearing a mask-PPE.
Suspect #2: female, white, brown hair, pregnant and wearing grey leggings, back tank top and black and white runners. The suspect was also wearing a medical mask-PPE.
If you have any information on this case, please contact the HRPS or Crime Stoppers.
 By Staff
July 20, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service is pleased to announce the launch of our first Buy & Sell Exchange Zone.
A zone is an area the police set up that they deem to be a safe place. Right outside police headquarters is probably as safe as you are going to get.
Why such a zone? The Halton Regional Police explain:
Many people have become victims of crimes like robberies, frauds and thefts when attempting to buy or sell property online. The purpose of the Buy & Sell Exchange Zone is to provide some additional peace of mind to those who are buying, selling, or trading property online. If you are meeting new people while finalizing online transactions, we encourage you to use our Exchange Zone.
 You can expect to be safe outside Police headquarters The clearly-signed Exchange Zone is situated in the visitor parking lot of our 20 Division facility, which is located at:
95 Oak Walk Drive, Oakville, Ontario L6H 0G6 – Phone: 905-825-4777 ext. 2
If you are unable to meet at our Buy & Sell Exchange Zone, please consider completing your transactions in well-lit, public and popular locations to avoid being a victim of crime.
Tips to protect yourself during a buy and sell exchange:
• Complete your transaction during daytime hours only.
• Use the buddy system when possible. Bring a family or friend with you, or at the very least, let someone know who you will be meeting, the time, and the location of the exchange.
• To reduce the potential of falling victim to fraud, never complete a buy and sell transaction by mail.
• When meeting in person, always inspect goods you wish to purchase before giving money to the seller.
• Limit the amount of personal information you provide.
• Stop. Pause. Think. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.
By Staff
July 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On July 13, 2021, Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie was presented with the Member level of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki.
 Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie: MOM The Member of the Order of Merit (M.O.M.) specifically recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty over an extended period, usually at the local or regional/provincial level. Normally, recipients are invited to a ceremony where they are presented with the insignia of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General at Rideau Hall or la Citadelle. This year, due to the pandemic, the presentation was virtual in nature.
Established in October 2000, the Order of Merit of the Police Forces honours the leadership and exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Police Services, and recognizes their commitment to this country. The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing and community development. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Order’s Sovereign, the governor general is its Chancellor and a Commander, and the commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is its Principal Commander.
There is a rigorous nomination and appointment process involved in receiving this recognition, with a focus on exceptional merit, contributions to policing, and community development and/or implementations.
Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie began his career with the Halton Regional Police Service in 1996. Throughout his career he has served in uniform operations in the Town of Milton, Town of Halton Hills, City of Burlington and Town of Oakville. He has worked in the Drug Unit, Mobile Surveillance Unit, Homicide Unit, Criminal Investigations Bureau, Domestic Violence Unit and as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief. He has also led several areas as the Operations Commander in Milton and Halton Hills, District Commander in Oakville, Critical Incident Commander for major public safety incidents and the Commander of Emergency Services, Training, and Human Resource Services. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Regional Operations in 2018, and in October 2019, he started in his current role as Deputy Chief of District Operations.
In addition to his role as Deputy Chief, he is Vice President of the Executive Board of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and is also the Co-Chair of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
By Staff
July 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday, 22 June 2021 1601hrs., an unknown male suspect attended the LCBO store located at 501 Appleby Line in the City of Burlington and stole two bottles of alcohol valued at $93.55.
 Suspect robs alcohol from two LCBO stores. The same suspect committed another theft (Halton Occurrence #2021-195001) at this same store where he stole another two bottles of alcohol valued at $148.70. Total theft in two occurrences is $242.25.
Suspect: Male, White, in 20’s, approximately 5’10 and 200lbs., wearing a dark blue coloured “Dallas Cowboys” #9, Romo Jersey, dark pants, black running shoes and a blue coloured Dallas Cowboys cap. The suspect had a black coloured backpack. The suspect was wearing a medical mask PPE.
If you have any information on this case, please contact the HRPS or Crime Stoppers.
By Staff
June 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Website based newspapers are different.
The story is in the archives and get read years later.
We watch traffic to the website closely to understand where the readers are coming from and what they are interested in.
In June of 2020 we published a story on a drug bust, a rather large endeavour that kept the police busy for a number of months.
There was nothing exceptional about the story – what caught our attention was the sudden increase in the traffic. This past couple of days a couple of hundred people were interested in what happened to the five accused.
What was the story about? CLICK on the link.
The traffic to the story was decent when the arrest announcement was released. Someone was tracking this story. Then it soared. We haven’t had a chance to talk with the Crown and learn if a trial has taken place. Someone cares about this story,
 Interesting  There were no prescription drugs in this bust.
By Staff
June 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at 5:15pm, a male suspect attended the LCBO store located at 321 Cornwall Road in the Town of Oakville and stole four bottles of alcohol valued at $306.40.
 Images are very clear – someone should know the suspect. Suspect: Male, White, appears to be in 30’s, brown hair, approximately 5’8 and 175lbs., wearing a white tank top style undershirt, teal coloured baggy pajama pants and grey coloured croc shoes. The suspect had a black backpack with white dots on it. The suspect was wearing a medical mask PPE.
The suspect has visible tattoos on both forearms.
There have been a number of thefts of liquor from LCBO shops.
The images captured are of very high quality – someone should recognize the man with expensive drinking habits.
What is confusing is how do the police know the exact value of what was stolen? Did the suspect stand before the cashier who rang in the purchase and the suspect walked out  without paying?
Pretty brazen!
If you have any information on this case, please contact the HRPS or Crime Stoppers.
By Staff
June 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The police would like some help identifying a suspect in an assault that took place at a Canadian Tire located at 777 Guelph Line in Burlington 0n the morning of Sunday June 6th.
 The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) were contacted after a female employee was grabbed by the arm through a fence by an unknown male suspect.
The victim was able to free herself. She suffered a mild (physical) injury to her arm.
Police have learned this suspect attended the same Canadian Tire location the day prior to the assault (Saturday June 5).
The suspect was observed hanging around the store for several hours. He made multiple attempts to interact with the victim and pointed his phone towards her.
The male is described as white, in his 40s with an unkempt short beard and a noticeable goatee. He has greyish, black hair.
On June 5, the suspect was wearing a navy blue button up shirt with a collar, beige cargo pants, sandals, a camo baseball cap and sunglasses with blue lenses and black frames. The suspect hung around the Garden Centre at this Canadian Tire location between the hours of 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
On June 6, the same suspect was wearing a black athletic type shirt, grey khaki shorts, with the same camo hat and a blue surgical mask hanging from one ear. The assault took place at approximately 9:45 am.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation or dash cam video of the area identified during these two time frames is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau – Detective Constable David Griffiths at 905 825-4777 ext. 2350 or ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
June 4th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) with the assistance of 2 District CIB has concluded a week-long investigation in relation to a series of garage and shed break-ins, and vehicle entries in Burlington and Oakville.
Since May 23, 2021, a total of 37 incidents were reported where vehicles, garages and outdoor sheds were entered. In many incidents, the accused used the garage door opener stolen from the vehicle in the victim’s driveway in order to gain entry to the garage. Multiple items were stolen through the course of these entries, including high-end bicycles and tools. The accused was also using a stolen vehicle to perpetrate these crimes.
On June 2, 2021, Dylan Brown (28) of Hamilton was arrested at a Hamilton residence. He has been charged with the following offences:
- Break and Enter (11 counts)
- Theft Under $5000 (4 counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 (13 counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (3 counts)
- Trespass at Night (6 counts)
- Fraud Under $5000
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Trafficking Stolen Property
A Criminal Code search warrant was executed as a result of the investigation and approximately $70,000 worth of stolen property was recovered.
Brown has been held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Investigation is continuing in efforts to identify other possible suspects in regards to these incidents. Anyone with information regarding this investigation or wishing to inquire about any recovered stolen property is asked to contact the following investigators.
D/Cst Cole Richards – 3 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 2345.
D/Cst Mark Bingham – 2 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 2268.
 Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
We would like to remind our community of the following tips to help prevent becoming a victim to these types of crimes:
- Ensure your vehicle doors are always locked
- Always roll up your windows
- Remove all valuables from your vehicle
- Leave an exterior light on to illuminate your driveway at night
- Remove your garage door opener
 By Staff
May 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Today marks the beginning of Canada Road Safety Week, a 7-day national campaign aimed at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world.
With what we have seen take place earlier this week in York, the importance of this message has never been more obvious. Our heart breaks for our neighbouring community.
 Auto accident consequences include criminal charges, fines, suspensions, or vehicle impoundment. This annual awareness campaign is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries. The focus of this campaign continues to be on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users at risk: impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and not wearing a seat belt.
Unsafe driving behaviors come with increased risk of injury or death. Other consequences include criminal charges, fines, suspensions, or vehicle impoundment.
There is no excuse to justify unsafe driving behaviour. It is simply #NotWorthTheRisk.
We want Halton residents and all Canadians to remember the decisions they make and the consequences of their actions impact everyone on or near our roadways.
The Halton Regional Police Service thanks those in our community who recognize that they share the roads with others.
 Often takes months to recover accidents like this. Whether you are a motorcyclist, a pedestrian, a driver, or a cyclist, remember… road safety starts with YOU.
The Halton Regional Police Service is proud to be participating in this year’s Canada Road Safety Campaign. While this public safety initiative is part of a national effort to help make Canada’s roads the safest in the world, we are confident that our local efforts will help make the roads here in Halton among the safest in Canada.
 By Staff
May 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Boat from the Regional Police Marine unit were cruising the waters opposite the Beachway. While Halton Regional Police Chief Tanner may have said his people would not be involved in crowd issues in Burlington there was one of the boats from the Marine fleet patrolling the waters off the Beachway on Thursday.
Those boats do not patrol on a regular basis – someone told them to be out there. Watch for them on the weekend. We might see a much needed shift in police involvement.
The boat didn’t come in very close – but the Officer was on deck with binoculars.
 By Pepper Parr
May 11, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a comment in the Gazette from a former police officer who served for 30 years – it deserves some comment. The police officer wrote:
“My point is …. pay duty officers are requested and paid for by a private company (ie construction, movie shoots) NOT Halton Region, so the suggestion that the City of Burlington request and pay for pay duty officers (out of our tax dollars) is ridiculous. It’s sad to see how the media has contributed to the rise in tension and hate towards the police, of late. AND yes I am proud of my honourable career as a police officer. I worked for HRPS for 30 years!”
Our purpose is not to identify the officer but to respond to her assertion that the Gazette has contributed to the rise in” tension and hate towards the police”.
 Most of the time the police are where they need to be. The intention is to hold the police accountable and ensure that they be transparent and protect the public that hires them to do just that.
The word hate was introduced by the police officer – not the Burlington Gazette.
Police are often seen on the street, riding bicycles and keeping an eye on things – a basic part of good police work; getting out of the cruiser and seeing what is going on.
In the ten years we have covered Burlington the Gazette has reported on a lot of outstanding police work. There are a lot of smart, dedicated men and women serving the public.
The only thing ridiculous about paying for pay duty police officers is that the taxpayer would be paying twice.
 Police officer told us he was on “bikini patrol” and that he loved his job. Times are tough for many people. Coping with the financial damage being done to the hospitality sector is seriously hurting families and some of that pain gets expressed publicly.
People are fearful, they expect, want, and need support.
Most people recognize that is why we have a police service.
Related news
Backbone
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Pepper Parr
May 10TH, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Part two of a two part article.
Chief of Police Stephen Tanner met with city council virtually last week – covered the full spectrum of what they do for the municipalities in Halton .
 Chief Tanner in conversation virtually with Council. In 2020 there were 44,675 calls for service to the police; impaired driving charges increased by 100% during part of 2020 when bars and restaurants were closed.
Police officers now have much more in the way of personal devices that help get the job done. He said he expects that in the not too distant future they will be able to finger print a person on the spot and be able to access RCMP and Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) data banks. Chief Tanner certainly liked it.
In the past the police used to transport 300 to 400 individuals who were in custody to court hearings. The advent of virtual hearing via Zoom has basically ended the need for that service.
During the question and answer part of the meeting the Chief mentioned that there was going to be an additional court house operation somewhere on the South Service Road, he paused and wondered aloud if he was supposed to be making those plans public.
The comment that caught people by surprise was word that the police were not going to be involved in the public patrolling of parks and other places where large numbers of people gather.
A comment made at council meeting last week that a city staff member had been involved in an incident that put her personal safety at risk brought the approach the Chief had suggested into question.
If the police cannot be called upon when there are public safety issues who do municipal administrations turn to?
During the council meeting mention was made of the mounted patrol Toronto has and the appearances they make in parks. Burlington doesn’t have mounted police officers but there are a lot of bicycles that could be used.
 Tickets handed out by police do not result in positive relationships. Media were not able to learn who the staff person was and just what had happened; only that the Spencer Smith Park Ambassador program was on hold until the there is more information.
During the virtual session with the police Chief Tanner talked about the police relationship with the city. Mention was made of the number of tickets that were handed out by police – did not result in positive relationships.
Expect there to be discussions about the quality of the relationship with the police and the matter of public safety.
Part 1 of a two part article
By Staff
May 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 1 of a two part article.
Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner took part, virtually, in a delegation that told the public much more than they have heard from a police chief in some time.
 The short version of what the Regional Police do in Burlington. Inspector Bob Gourlay who runs the Burlington detachment of the Regional Police took council through a slide deck with all kinds of data which the Chief commented on at length later in the delegation.
This will be a two part article – the slide deck now and then what the Chief had to say.
Burlington was where Chief Tanner started his career as a police officer. He went on to serve in Belleville, Kingston and returning to Burlington as Halton Region Chief of Police in 2012.
 Many of the police resources are at headquarters which are in Oakville. Burlington has a full compliment including DUST, DRT, Criminal Investigation, high school and public school liaison officers.  Break and Enter into homes is down – people are working from home keeps the thieves away.
 The data points to the difficulty some people are having in dealing with the pandemic. Cooped up in a house where the relationships between the occupants are not that good is a recipe for a lot of personal pain.  The calls police get on drug matters tends to be related to the legal retailers and the product they are selling.  With traffic on the roads (QEW excepted) roadside tests are lower.  Fewer cars on the road – fewer collisions.  Data is consistent over the two year period.
 By Staff
April 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Today, Halton Region Police Chief Stephen Tanner becomes the longest serving police chief in the country – 20 years.
His annual report to the Board is, according to the current chair Jeff Knowles, very impressive. The Gazette will report on that when it is made public.
 Halton Regional Police Services Chief Stephen Tanner now the longest serving police chief in Canada. Police Service Board meetings are not on the top of the list for very many reporters; unless there is something that has caught the public’s attention.
When Chief Tanner went out of the country around Christmas time many were upset and asking – why?
Turned out the Chief had permission to leave his post – that was given to him by the then Chair of the Police Services Board Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.
That decision cost Burton his job as Chair – he resigned.
Chief Tanner was one of many Chiefs who quickly told the province earlier this month, that Halton would not be using the additional authority the province had given them to stop people and ask where they were going and where they lived when the province was under a Stay at Home order.
Stephen The Regional Police have State of Emergency authority that they have not used and do not expect to use. The City of Burlington Mayor declared a State of Emergency that immediately set the day to day operations of the city in the hands of an Emergency Control Group that makes decisions regularly at its meetings which often take place more than once a week.
By Staff
April 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
So much for the Stay at Home order.
The Halton Regional Police Service – Burlington Street Crime Unit has completed a drug trafficking investigation with a pair of arrests and a number of charges.
On Tuesday April 27, 2021 investigators arrested Nicklauss Ancion (26) of Brampton and Megan Noble (29) of No Fixed Address in Burlington.
Ancion has been charged with:
- Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Obstruct With Intent to Resist Arrest
- Weapons Dangerous
Noble has been charged with:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl
- Breach Probation
At the time of arrest, Ancion was in possession of a knife (which was seized by officers).
 The evidence Search warrants were also executed at a residence in Burlington and a second home in Brampton. As a result of the investigation, officers also seized approximately 5 grams of fentanyl, and a small amount of cash (see attached photo).
There were no physical injuries sustained during the arrests.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the 3 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 2342.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
April 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In March of 2021, members of the Halton Regional Police Service – 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau began an investigation into an individual who was trafficking drugs throughout the Town of Oakville. On April 22, 2021, a 16 year-old male from Oakville was arrested charged with the following offences:
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine & Crack Cocaine
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – LSD
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Psilocybin
• Possession – Oxycodone
• Trafficking a Controlled Substance
• Possess Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling
• Young Person to Distribute Cannabis (of one or more classes of Cannabis the total amount of which is equivalent as determined with Schedule 3 to be more then 5g of dried cannabis)
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
• Careless Storage of a Firearm
• Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Following the arrest, a Controlled Drug and Substances Act warrant was conducted at a residence in Oakville. Through the course of the investigation the following items were seized:
• A loaded .45 calibre restricted firearm
• 14 rounds of .45 Cal ammunition
• 19.1 grams of Fentanyl
• 22.1 grams of Cocaine
• 20.9 grams of Crack Cocaine
• 0.6 grams of Oxycodone
• 0.7 grams of LSD
• 122.6 grams of Psilocybin
• 335.4 grams of cannabis marijuana
• 66 (22 gram-24.5 gram) packages of Cannabis Edibles
• 283 (1 gram each) Cannabis Vape Pens
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act prevents the police from releasing the name of an accused. Interesting that the police take steps to protect a youth that needs help – where are the parents.
Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to contact the 2 District – Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext 2216.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
April 13th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is such a hideous crime – Human Trafficking – the exploitation of people.
Crime Stoppers of Halton, in collaboration with the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) and the Halton Police Board, are bringing awareness of opioid/fentanyl drug trafficking within the Halton region, with an enforcement campaign.
From now until June 1, 2021, Crime Stoppers of Halton will take anonymous tips about opioid/fentanyl drug traffickers operating in Halton. If an arrest is made of a trafficker from your tip, you will be guaranteed the maximum $2000 reward.
In 2021, the HRPS has already responded to more than 80 suspected overdoses, 18 of which were fatal.
 Crime Stoppers of Halton Chair Jan Westcott Crime Stoppers of Halton Chair, said, “It’s time for Crime Stoppers, together with other community organizations, to aggressively tackle the scourge of opioid overdoses and deaths. Crime Stoppers of Halton intends to play a leading role in this effort.”
“Opioids are increasingly common in Halton and have a high potential to be lethal” says Colin Jessome, Executive Director of Crime Stoppers. “We want to hear from you. If you know of someone trafficking these drugs please reach out to Crime Stoppers of Halton. Together we can remove these traffickers from Halton”
Visit Crime Stoppers -for more info or to submit a tip. You can also call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Contacting Crime Stoppers guarantees that you will remain anonymous and will not need to testify in court.
By Staff
April 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) located and arrested a suspect wanted for multiple fraud charges dating back as far as 2017.On April 8, 2021, investigators with the HRPS Risk Mitigation Team located and arrested Christopher McSwain (40) of Gatineau QC in Ottawa.
He was arrested with assistance from the Ottawa Police Service. He has been charged with:
• Fraud Under $5000 (12 counts)
McSwain was held pending a bail hearing in Milton.
The Fraud charges relate to contracts entered by the accused from 2017-2019. These contracts with victims throughout Halton, Hamilton, Peel (and elsewhere in Ontario) were for snow removal services, roofing services and cottage rentals.
The contracts were signed under various company names including “Alton Village Landscaping Group” and “Brant Hills Landscape Group”.
 If you believe you have been the victim of a fraud offence in Halton please contact the Fraud Intake Line at 905 465 8741.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Media Inquiries:
By Staff
April 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 2, 2021, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) – Drug and Human Trafficking Unit concluded a seven month long drug trafficking investigation dubbed “Project LYNX”.
The investigation targeted a highly organized and sophisticated drug network involved with drug trafficking, importing and money laundering.
The drug network had associations to various organized crime groups across southern Ontario. The network worked collectively with these organizations to import and traffic cocaine and fentanyl throughout Halton Region and Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). As a result of the investigation, six Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA) search warrants were executed in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Oakville, Mississauga, Bolton and Toronto.
Arrested and charged are;
Terence Yoo (41) of Oakville
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Psilocybin
Ajmer Singh (44) of Mississauga
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – MDMA
• Trafficking – Cocaine (1 kilogram)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – 4 counts
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
• Weapons Trafficking (Firearm)
• Weapons Trafficking (Ammunition)
• Trafficking Property Obtained by Crime – 2 counts
• Careless Use of Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Possession of Restricted Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
Parminder Grewal (44) of Mississauga
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Marko Vrakela (34) of Toronto
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Clinton Valentine (47) of Toronto
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Sawraj Singh (31) of Caledon
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – 3 counts
• Careless Use of Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Possession of Restricted Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
Karan Dev (32) of Caledon
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – 3 counts
• Careless Use of Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Possession of Restricted Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
A warrant has also been issued for the arrest of one outstanding party.
As a result of the investigation and subsequent search warrants, the following items were seized;
• 17 kilograms of cocaine
• 3 kilograms of fentanyl
• 1 kilogram of MDMA (ecstasy)
• $1,139,423 million in Canadian currency
• $4,840 in US currency
• .357 Magnum (firearm) with ammunition
• 2021 Mercedes Benz AMG
• 2016 Honda Odyssey
• 3 Rolex watches
The estimated value of seized proceeds, drugs and currency is valued at 2.5 million dollars.
An investigation of this magnitude and complexity would not have resulted in the successful disruption of these criminal organizations without the assistance of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Canada (FINTRAC) and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit (OPP).
Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact the HRPS – Drug and Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5331.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Media statement is available here: https://youtu.be/9qUrzM28B04
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