The Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and members of the Killaloe OPP Detachment have executed a search warrant in Bonnechere Valley Township, Ontario resulting in criminal charges.
On September 4, 2019 officers searched a home and property on Cormac Road and seized more than 100 cannabis plants as well as a large quantity of processed or partially processed cannabis. Officers also seized three prohibited weapons, several firearms and a motorcycle.
Joshua SPRAGUE, age 37 of Bonnechere Valley Township is charged with:
- Possession – Federal Cannabis Act – two counts
- Cultivation – Federal Cannabis Act
Also charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Possession of restricted firearm
- Possession of loaded restricted firearm
- Careless storage of firearm – five counts
- Unsafe storage of ammunition
- Possession of prohibited weapon – three counts
- Possession of firearm while prohibited – six counts
- Possession of explosive while prohibited
- Possession of a crossbow while prohibited
- Possession of ammunition while prohibited
- Altering/Destroying Vehicle Identification Number
Erin DIETRICH, age 38 of Bonnechere Valley Township is charged with:
- Possession – Federal Cannabis Act – two counts
- Cultivation – Federal Cannabis Act
Also charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Possession of restricted firearm
- Possession of loaded restricted firearm
- Careless storage of firearm – five counts
- Unsafe storage of ammunition
- Possession of prohibited weapon – three counts
- Altering/Destroying Vehicle Identification Number
The accused have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on September 9, 2019.
The OPP is continuing to lead an enforcement strategy which includes other Ontario police services. This strategy will reflect actionable intelligence on illegal cannabis operations. The focus of the strategy is to dismantle organized crime groups, eliminate the illegal cannabis supply, remove illegal cannabis enterprises such as store fronts and online and target the proceeds of crime and assets.
Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Dickson,B. OPP East Region Headquarters (2019,Sept.5) OPP Execute Search Warrant and Seize Drugs and Weapons [media release]
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