On Sunday, February 27, 2022, at approximately 1:50 a.m., a suspicious vehicle was observed, and a traffic stop was conducted by patrol officers with the Brantford Police Service in the area of Charing Cross Street and West Street.
Information was received to indicate that the driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended license, who was then arrested for Drive While Under Suspension.
While speaking with the occupants of the vehicle, police observed a hand-held Conducted Energy Weapon in view, beside the rear seat passenger; a prohibited weapon as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada. A baseball bat was also located beside the passenger.
The rear passenger was arrested for Possession of a Prohibited Weapon. Search incident to arrest revealed the two accused men were found to be in possession of the following items:
- Approximately 139.3 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $20,895
- Approximately 41.5 grams of suspected Cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4,980
- Approximately 12 grams of suspected Fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $3,240
- Approximately 4.5 grams of suspected Crack-Cocaine, with an estimated street value of $540
- A quantity of Dilaudid (suspected), with an estimated street value of $6,150
- A quantity of Hydromorphone (suspected), with an estimated street value of $540
- Canadian currency
- An additional hand-held Conducted Energy Weapon (restricted weapon)
The total approximate street value of the suspected illicit drugs was $36,345.
Further investigation revealed that the registered owner of the motor vehicle had not provided consent for its use, and was unaware that the accused was in possession of the vehicle.
As a result of the investigation, Matthew TAYLOR, 43, of Brantford, stands charged with the following:
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose x 2, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Unauthorized Possession of Weapon x 2, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Take Motor Vehicle Without Consent, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Breach of Probation, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Possession for the Purpose Schedule I x 6, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Driving While Under Suspension x 2, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
Additionally, Matthew WELLS, 40, of Brantford stands charged with the following:
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose x 2, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Unauthorized Possession of Weapon x 2, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Breach of Probation, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Failure to Comply with Undertaking x2, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Possession for the Purpose Schedule I x 6, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Both accused parties were held for bail.
