A Puslinch Township man faces charges after a joint police operation executed search warrants in locations across Ontario.
OPP Sergeant Kristine Rae, based in the Ottawa area, reported that on Feb. 25, members of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Biker Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of numerous city police services, OPP regional personnel and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, executed 23 search warrants
She said in 2013, members of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and the Biker Enforcement Unit launched a 16 month-long investigation focused on a sophisticated, extensive drug trafficking network involving members and associates of the Ontario Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and a support club known as “13 Crew.”
Police allege the network is a criminal one and is responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine and marijuana.
Richard Guitard, 51, of Puslinch, is said by police to be an East Toronto Hells Angels hang around (an associate of club members). He faces charges of:
– conspiracy to traffic controlled substances;
– seven counts of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
– possession for the purpose of trafficking in cannabis; and
– possession for the purpose of trafficking cannabis resin.
There are 29 people facing more than 150 Criminal Code and Controlled Drug and Substances Act charges.
The OPP’s Asset Forfeiture Unit has seized and restrained offence-related property that includes 10 motor vehicles, two Harley Davidson motorcycles and $300,000 in cash.
Many of those charged, including several women, are from the Ottawa area, and others have Toronto connections.
Other area arrests included Robert Baldwin, 34, of Kitchener, a member of East Toronto Hells Angels. He faces charges of:
– conspiracy to traffic controlled substances;
– two counts of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
– possession of a controlled substance, cannabis; and
– two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, brass knuckles.
Johnathan Gosse, 31, of Cambridge, a member of Downtown Toronto Hells Angels, faces charges of:
– conspiracy to traffic controlled substances; and
– possessing the proceeds of crime.
Among the police seizures are:
– a large amount of cocaine valued at $100,000;
– hashish, value $20,000;
– marijuana about $9,000;
– Oxycodone and Percocet tablets;
– GHB, also known as γ4-hydroxybutanoic acid, also known as a date rape drug;
– five hydraulic cocaine presses, with one kilogram pressing plates
– three brass knuckles;
– two flip or butterfly knives (prohibited weapons);
– two firearms;
– assorted ammunition;
– three Pipe Bomb containers;
– a crossbow;
– two Asp batons (used by some police services, but prohibited weapons)
– a push knife (prohibited weapon)
– a diamond engagement ring valued at $14,000;
– a man’s watch valued at $65,000;
Those charged will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Ottawa and Toronto on various dates in March 2015.
