GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Police say a local member of the Iron Dragons Motorcycle Club was arrested last week and faces over 50 weapon charges and two drug charges.
Halton Regional Police Service officials issued a press release on Jan. 17 stating its officers, along with the OPP-led Biker Enforcement Unit, executed a search warrant on Jan. 11 at a rural residence near Rockwood, close to the Guelph/Eramosa border with Milton (Halton Region).
“Upon entry, the accused attempted to flee the residence. They were immediately apprehended by the OPP Canine Unit,” states the press release.
Police also noted, “The accused received non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital.
Halton police say the man is “a member of the Iron Dragons Motorcycle Club,” which OPP officials have in the past referred to as a “supporter” club for the Hells Angels.
According to the press release, the following items were seized at the residence:
- six handguns;
- seven prohibited weapons (two pairs of brass knuckles, three prohibited knives and two conductive energy weapons);
- two crossbows;
- two expandable batons;
- 16.6 grams of fentanyl;
- 12 pounds of dried cannabis flower;
- a “significant quantity” of mixed ammunition; and
- five pellet guns; including four long guns.
Joseph Wells, 42, of Rockwood, was charged with 54 offences, including:
- possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl);
- possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution;
- possession of property obtained by crime (over $5,000);
- escaping lawful custody;
- unauthorized possession of a prohibited device;
- two counts of importation of a prohibited weapon;
- two counts of unauthorized possession of a weapon;
- three counts of smuggling of prohibited weapons;
- three counts of possession of property obtained by crime (under $5,000);
- three counts of knowledge of unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon;
- five counts of possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order;
- six counts of knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- six counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- six counts of careless use or storage of a firearm;
- six counts of breach of firearms regulations; and
- seven counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Police say Wells was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton court on Jan. 12.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Additional weapons seized by police during a Jan. 11 search of a rural home near Rockwood. HRPS photo
