The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested and charged two individuals following an incident involving theft of firearms.
On November 23, 2024, police responded to a report regarding the theft of a number of firearms from an address in the Township of Hamilton. The complainant believed the weapons to have been stolen in the previous two weeks. The majority of the firearms were recovered however among the unaccounted firearms, were shotguns and rifles.
OPP began an investigation and on November 24, 2024, officers made an arrest in relation to the incident of theft.
Andrew DRYSDALE, 32-years-old, from Hamilton Township, has been charged with:
– Unauthorized possession of a firearm – 14 counts
– Possession of a weapon obtained by crime – 14 counts
– Possession for the purpose of weapons trafficking
– Transfer a firearm without authority
– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
– Theft over $5,000
On November 24, 2024, at around 11:00 p.m., officers assisted by the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), executed a search warrant at a location on John Street in the Town of Cobourg.
Among the items seized, were rifles, shotguns, ammunition, a cellphone and approximately 17 grams of suspected Fentanyl with a street value of around $3,000.
As a result of the search, one individual was arrested and taken into custody.
Benjamin STAPLES, 46-years-old, has been charged with:
– Unauthorized possession of a firearm – 14 counts
– Possession of a weapon obtained by crime – 14 counts
– Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order
– Knowledge of unauthorised possession of a firearm
– Transfer firearm without authority
– Breach of firearms regulation – store firearm or restricted weapon
– Traffick in Schedule I Substance – Fentanyl.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this or any incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca.
The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
