Halton Regional Police have recovered nearly $1 million in stolen product after a three-month investigation into thieves targeting Shoppers Drug Mart locations across the GTA.
In March, the HRPS Retail Theft Unit began an investigation into the alleged organized group targeting various items at Shoppers, including nicotine replacement gum, cosmetics and muscle creams.
On May 29, the HRPS executed five search warrants at a storage facility in Peel Region, where they say property stolen from Shoppers Drug Mart locations was located.
In addition, product tied to tractor trailer load thefts - which had occurred in Halton, York and Toronto - was also located, with all recoveries totalling an estimated $1 million. Police say $489,000 dollars in product has been returned to Shoppers Drug Mart.
As a result of the investigation, Pawel Hohne, 52, of Toronto has been charged with:
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000
• Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000.
The Halton Regional Police Service extended its thanks the York and Toronto police services for their assistance in the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the website.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The accused person facing charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
