Chatham-Kent police recovered stolen plaques and seized drugs worth about $24,000 after an extensive investigation. The CKPS Intelligence Unit launched the investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the theft of commemorative plaques throughout the municipality. Over the course of several weeks, investigators dedicated considerable resources to tracking stolen plaques, identifying persons of interest, gathering evidence, and obtaining judicial authorizations. Police say the investigation involved intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated enforcement efforts aimed at recovering stolen property and bringing those responsible before the courts. Between Aug. 20 and Sept. 2, members of the intelligence unit executed five search warrants at three separate residences, a trailer, and a vehicle, all in Chatham. The warrants were executed on Lorne Avenue, Wellington Street East, and Copperfield Crescent. On Aug. 20, police executed a search warrant on Lorne Avenue in Chatham. As a result, officers located and arrested a 47-year-old Chatham man. He has been charged with: On Aug. 27, police executed two search warrants at a residence and trailer on Wellington Street East in Chatham. As a result, police located and arrested a 39-year-old Chatham man. He has been charged with: On Sept. 2, police executed two search warrants at a residence on Copperfield Crescent in Chatham and on a vehicle connected to the investigation. During the execution of the warrants, investigators located and seized: The estimated street value of the seized fentanyl is approximately $24,000. The recovered commemorative plaque is valued at approximately $1,500. As a result, two individuals, a 28-year-old Chatham man and a 36-year-old Chatham woman, have each been charged with: Both accused were held in custody pending bail hearings. A third individual, a 35-year-old Chatham man, has been charged with: That accused was released on an undertaking with conditions and will appear in court at a later date. The investigation remains ongoing, as investigators continue to follow evidence obtained through the execution of the search warrants. Members of the public who may have information related to stolen commemorative plaques are encouraged to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
