4,000 stolen chocolate bars recovered in Ontario; Brampton men charged

Police recovered thousands of chocolate bars, sunglasses, perfume and other goods following a routine traffic stop in an Eastern Ontario town.

Police in Cobourg, located 95 kilometres east of Toronto, believe those arrested have been involved in an organized crime ring that targets retail operations.

Three people have been arrested, two adults and one youth, all from Brampton. Investigators are looking for one other suspect.

The events of the case unfolded on Jan. 4, just before 11 p.m., when officers spotted a driver improperly wearing his seatbelt.

During their investigation, the officers found that the driver had a suspended licence and, as the vehicle was getting prepared for impoundment, several stolen items were discovered.

“As a result of the police investigation, officers formed reasonable grounds that all parties in the vehicle were involved in organized retail theft,” said police. “The driver was also issued two summonses for driving while suspended and improperly wearing a seatbelt. A search warrant was executed on the motor vehicle, and several items believed to be the result of thefts across multiple jurisdictions were seized.”

Items found include:

• Over 4,000 chocolate bars
• Sunglasses
• Cologne/perfume
• Candy and gum
• Cough lozenges
• Protein bars
• 5 Hour Energy drinks

The total value of the stolen property seized was approximately $16,183.

As a result, the three parties were charged with possession of property obtained by crime.

The two adult males were held for a bail hearing, and the youth was released on an undertaking with a future court date.

A fourth individual remains outstanding, and charges are pending further investigation, police said.

The names of those charged have not been released by police.