ARRAN TOWNSHIP – A raid at an Arran Township property earlier this week has resulted in the seizure of more than $100,000 worth of stolen property and drugs, and nearly 70 charges laid against two individuals.
The raid, conducted by members of the OPP, took place on Nov. 15 at a property along Concession 4 in Arran Township.
Police say an investigation was launched “several months ago regarding suspected criminal activity” at the property.
“Significant OPP resources were utilized to conduct a thorough investigation on this property and any persons associated to it,” states a release.
The raid led to the seizure of an unspecified amount of methamphetamine. Police say the street value of the drugs is $11,140.
Also recovered during the raid were several pieces of stolen property, including a Ford F150 pickup truck, a Dodge Ram pickup truck, a Dodge Charger, a Ski-Doo GSX snowmobile, two Polaris snowmobiles, a Honda TRX ATV, a Triton snowmobile trailers, a Stihl concrete saw, a Rolair air compressor, nine rifles, two shotguns, a Crossbow with night vision scope, two antique pistols, two pellet rifles, and a large quantity of ammunition.
Police estimate the value of the recovered stolen good to be more than $89,700.
Police have arrested and charged two Arran-Elderslie Township residents.
Birgit Rapelje, 53, and Joseph McNicol, 48, have both been charged with:
- possession of methamphetamine for the purposes of trafficking;
- 11 counts of knowledge of possession of a firearm while prohibited;
- three counts of careless storage of a firearm;
- participating in a criminal organization;
- altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number;
- seven counts of possessing property obtained by crime over $5,000; and
- seven counts of possessing property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Rapelje has also been charged with two counts of disobey a court order and fail to comply with probation order.
McNicol has also been charged with two counts of breach a weapons prohibition.
Both accused are being held in custody pending the results of a show cause hearing.
Police say the investigation continues. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca.
