An investigation into a possible theft at an Orillia business led to police seizing drugs and cardboard licence plates Wednesday.
Shortly before 2:30 p.m., Orillia OPP responded to a possible theft in progress at a business on Monarch Drive. Police were told three suspects were filling a shopping cart with electronic devices.
“These same suspects have been observed by staff in the past using distraction techniques in order to complete thefts,” police said in a news release.
Around the time officers arrived at the business, the three suspects decided not to take the cart outside and instead left. Officers spoke with the suspects and began an investigation.
The suspects were identified “along with the vehicle being used in the commission of the offence,” police said.
“Officers discovered that the licence plates displayed on the vehicle were, in fact, constructed out of cardboard, highlighting the arts and craft skills utilized to try and avoid detection. The plate numbers adorning the cardboard, while not registered to the vehicle on scene, were a match for the same make, model and colour vehicle.”
Police seized two fake Ontario licence plates, .7 grams of suspected methamphetamine and .7 grams of suspected cocaine.
Lovepreet Singh, 33, of Barrie, has been charged with failure to comply with a release and two counts of obstructing a peace officer. The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Rajwinder Mangat, 37, of Brampton, has been charged with possession of a Schedule 1 substance (heroin), possession of a Schedule 1 substance (methamphetamine) and obstructing a peace officer. The accused was released from custody and has a February court date in Orillia.
Prabhpreet Singh, 28, of Brampton, has been charged with two counts of obstructing a peace officer. The accused was released from custody and has a February court date in Orillia.
