Sault police recover more than $200K in stolen property, including 50 catalytic converters

Ontario Provincial Police in Sault Ste. Marie recovered more than $200,000 in stolen property Feb. 8, the completion of a drug and stolen property investigation that began in January.

In addition to 50 catalytic converters stolen from vehicles, police also found items stolen from several retail outlets, including Canadian Tire, Walmart, Home Depot and Mark's Work Warehouse.

Cash, drugs and weapons were also seized.

Several police units worked together on the investigation “related to pre-arranged drug transactions and stolen property in the City of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding communities,” the OPP said in a news release Thursday.

The investigation culminated with a traffic stop at 11 a.m. Feb. 8 on Frontenac Street Batchewana First Nation.

“The driver was subsequently arrested, and police seized a cellphone, approximately $980 in Canadian currency, over 30 grams of suspected cocaine (estimated street value of $3,000), ten .270 rifle cartridges, and a 2021 black Dodge Ram pickup truck,” police said.

In addition to 50 catalytic converters stolen from vehicles, police also found items stolen from several retail outlets, including Canadian Tire, Walmart, Home Depot and Mark's Work Warehouse. (OPP photo)

A raid of a residence on Sage Street in Garden River First Nation uncovered $37,000 in Canadian currency, $5,000 in US currency, the catalytic converters (approximate value of $100,000), Honda snow blower (approximate value of $4000), 10 firearms, more than two grams of suspected cocaine, more than nine grams of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Stolen property recovered includes:

- More than 400 items stolen from Canadian Tire (valued at $31,000);

- More than 40 items stolen from Peavy Mart valued at more than $19,000;

- More than 300 items stolen from Home deport valued at almost $24,000:

- More than 200 items stolen from Walmart valued at almost $20,000;

- More than 200 items stolen from Mark's Work Warehouse valued at almost $10,000; and,

- More than 50 items Stolen from the Trading Post valued at more than $3,700.

Also recovered were less than 10 items valued at more than $1,000 taken from Sal Dan Development and under 10 items valued at approximately $1,200.

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A 49-year-old from Garden River First Nation was charged with numerous theft, drug and weapons offences. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on March 11.

“This investigation is continuing and if you have information related to stolen property, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or your nearest police authority,” police said.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.