CRIME SCENE: 4 charged following drug trafficking probe in Georgina

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York Regional Police have charged four males, including two 15-year-olds, and seized a quantity of drugs and a firearm, following a break-and-enter probe that led to the discovery of drug trafficking in Georgina.

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On June 15, an investigation into a commercial break-and-enter in the area of Lake Dr. N. and Crestwood Dr. was launched and a suspect was identified and linked to a group suspected of trafficking drugs in Georgina.

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On Thursday, officers observed a suspect who appeared to be armed entering a vehicle with a suspected drug trafficker and conducted a traffic stop and the three occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody.

Police seized a loaded firearm, a quantity of cash and substances believed to be methamphetamine and crack cocaine.

A search warrant was executed at a motel unit in Georgina, resulting in the arrest of the suspect from the break-and-enter investigation.

Joseph Fletcher, 24, of Newmarket — who was on an undertaking for an unrelated offence — and two 15-year-old males from Oshawa face eight charges including two drug-related and five firearm-related and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime.

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Fletcher also faces failure to comply with an undertaking. Anthony Murrell, 28, of Georgina, faces two counts of break-and-enter with intent and disguise with intent.

The 15-year-olds can’t be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or at 1800222tips.com.

VAUGHAN MAN CHARGED IN HALTON FRAUD PROBE

Halton Regional Police Service has laid multiple charges after an investigation into a fraud worth more than $150,000.

In March of 2024, police were contacted after a series of fraudulent withdrawals totalling $156,000 from an account were reported at an HSBC branch in Burlington.

Police charged the individual allegedly making the withdrawals at that time and further investigation eventually identified an additional suspect who allegedly organized the crime.

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To gain access to the bank account, the accused used a fake Ontario drivers licence and made large withdrawals via cash and wire transfer.

On Thursday, officers executed a search warrant at the residence of the accused in Vaughan and also located and seized a large quantity of psilocybin, and a prohibited firearm (.22 calibre rifle).

Andrew Meeks, 41, of Vaughan, faces five fraud, drug and fire-arm related charges.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call police at 905-825-4777, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

TORONTO MAN CHARGED IN HATCHET ROBBERY

A 29-year-old Toronto man faces four charges after it’s alleged a male suspect used a hatchet during a retail robbery.

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Toronto Police said that on Friday around 1:15 a.m., they responded to a robbery call in the Yonge and Bloor Sts. area where it’s alleged a lone male suspect entered a store carrying a hatchet and wearing a mask.

The suspect allegedly threatened an employee and demanded cash before taking some money and fleeing on foot.

Officers located the suspect and took him into custody. At the time of arrest, officers recovered a hatchet and stolen cash.

Kevin Mendoza Tesoro was charged with robbery with offensive weapon, disguise with intent, weapons dangerous, and possession property obtained by crime under.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7350, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.

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TORONTO MAN FACES CHILD ABUSE CHARGES

A 35-year-old Toronto man faces three child-pornography-related charges following a search warrant executed in the York Mills and Don Mills Rds. area on Wednesday.

It was part of a Toronto Police investigation into the downloading of child sexual abuse material.

Peter Brochu has been charged with possession of child pornography, access child pornography and make available child pornography.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-8500, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.

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TORONTO MAN, 28, CHARGED IN DRUG TRAFFICKING PROBE

A 28-year-old Toronto man faces six charges following a drug trafficking investigation.

On June 20, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the Adelaide St. W. and Spadina Ave. area. It’s alleged that a man was involved in drug transactions and that during the search of a residence, a semi-automatic firearm with a prohibited magazine and a quantity of cocaine and proceeds of crime were located.

Alim Bhanji has been charged with four firearm-related charges, one drug-related charges and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7350, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.

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