(DUFFERIN COUNTY) – Officers from the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed search warrants at four locations, including two rural farm properties and a scrap yard located in the northwest part of Dufferin County. During the operation, police seized a quantity of stolen bell copper wire, stolen tools, stolen vehicles, drugs including cocaine and methamphetamine, firearms, and numerous other items. Six individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.
Throughout 2025, copper thefts have been on an upward trend in Dufferin County. The Dufferin OPP initiated an investigation following numerous reported thefts and complaints from the public. On November 19, 2025, the Dufferin OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the Caledon CSCU, Grey Bruce CSCU, Nottawasaga CSCU, and Dufferin A and D Platoon, executed the search warrants. The operation resulted in the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of the following items:
Samiullah KHAN, 40-year-old male, from Melancthon has been charged with:
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada X 2
• Trafficking in Stolen Goods over $5,000 (incl. possession with intent to traffic)
• Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
Gordon WINSLOW, 33-year-old male, from Melancthon has been charged with:
• Trafficking in Stolen Goods over $5,000 (incl. possession with intent to traffic)
• Mischief Endangering Life
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada X 5
• Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
Tracey JOHNSTON, 50-year-old male, from Melancthon has been charged with:
• Trafficking in Stolen Goods over $5,000 (incl. possession with intent to traffic)
• Mischief Endangering Life
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada X 5
• Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
Chelsea MONCKTON, 33-year-old male, from Melancthon has been charged with:
• Trafficking in Stolen Goods over $5,000 (incl. possession with intent to traffic)
• Mischief Endangering Life
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada X 5
• Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
Brandy WISEBROD, 46-year-old male, from Dundalk has been charged with:
• Trafficking in property obtained by crime
• Mischief Endangering Life
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada
Curtis WHITTEN, 33-year-old male, from Melancthon has been charged with:
• Trafficking in Stolen Goods over $5,000 (incl. possession with intent to traffic)
• Mischief Endangering Life
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada X 5
• Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
The following items were seized during the investigation:
- Large quantity of stolen Bell copper wire
- 2021 Ram 1500 (previously stolen; approx. value $45,000)
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado (previously stolen; approx. value $20,000)
- Terex skid steer (previously stolen; approx. value $45,000)
- Two large tandem-axle utility trailers (previously stolen; value approx. $25,000)
- Large quantity of stolen power tools (approx. value $10,000)
- 359 grams of methamphetamine (approx. value $23,000)
- Quantity of cocaine
- 11 long guns
- 6 handguns
- 3 replica firearms with removed serial numbers
- 1 prohibited device (magazine)
- Large assortment of ammunition
Removing and stealing copper wire is not only illegal, but it can severely impact people’s lives. Copper wire theft can disrupt essential communication services, including phone lines, which may prevent residents from being able to call 911 in an emergency. These actions put entire communities at risk and can cause significant safety concerns, delays in emergency response, and costly repairs, costs that ultimately impact customers through higher service provider bills.
Please continue to report any suspicious activity in your local area. Community awareness and timely reporting play a critical role in helping police prevent crime and keep our neighbourhoods safe.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dufferin OPP.
