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Rockwood resident faces 54 charges after weapons, drugs seized

Halton Regional Police, OPP executed a search warrant on Jan. 11
20240117-weapons-rockwood
Joseph Wells of Rockwood faces 54 charges following the execution of a search warrant on Jan. 11, 2024. Numerous weapons were seized

NEWS RELEASE
HALTON REGIONAL POLICE
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A member of the Iron Dragons Motorcycle Club was arrested on Jan. 11, 2024 by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) 2 District Street Crime Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Biker Enforcement Unit when a search warrant was executed at a rural residence in Rockwood.

Upon entry, the accused attempted to flee the residence. They were immediately apprehended by the OPP Canine Unit. The accused received non life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital.

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
    •    five pellet guns; including four long guns

Joseph Wells (42) of Rockwood has been charged with 54 offences, including:
    •    Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm (six counts)
    •    Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (six counts)
    •    Possession of Property obtained by crime Over $5,000
    •    Possession of Property obtained by crime under $5,000 (three counts)
    •    Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (three counts)
    •    Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (seven counts)
    •    Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon (two counts)
    •    Careless Use or Storage of Firearm (six counts)
    •    Breach of Firearms Regulations (six counts)
    •    Possession of a Firearm Contrary to a Prohibition Order (five counts)
    •    Importation of a Prohibited Weapon (two counts)
    •    Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of trafficking (fentanyl)
    •    Possess Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution
    •    Escape Lawful Custody
    •    Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device
    •    Smuggling of Prohibited Weapons (Customs Act) (three counts)

Wells was held in custody pending a bail hearing before an Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on Jan. 12. 

The joint investigation was supported by members of HRPS and OPP BEU and the Tactics and Rescue Unit. The Canada Border Services Agency also played an important role.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the website.

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