Rockwood biker faces 54 charges after police seize weapons, drugs

A member of the Iron Dragons Motorcycle Club is facing dozens of weapons charges following a recent bust in Rockwood.

On Jan. 11, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) 2 District Street Crime Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Biker Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at a rural residence in Rockwood.

"Upon entry, the accused attempted to flee the residence. They were immediately apprehended by the OPP Canine Unit," HRPS said in a press release. "The accused received non life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital."

The following items were seized at the residence:
    •    six handguns
    •    seven prohibited weapons (two pairs of brass knuckles, three prohibited knives and two conductive energy weapons)
    •    two crossbows
    •    two expandable batons
    •    16.6 grams of fentanyl
    •    12 pounds of dried cannabis flower
    •    A significant quantity of mixed ammunition
    •    five pellet guns; including four long guns.

Joseph Wells, 42, of Rockwood has been charged with 54 offences, including:
    •    Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm (six counts)
    •    Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (six counts)
    •    Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
    •    Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (three counts)
    •    Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (three counts)
    •    Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (seven counts)
    •    Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon (two counts)
    •    Careless Use or Storage of Firearm (six counts)
    •    Breach of Firearms Regulations (six counts)
    •    Possession of a Firearm Contrary to a Prohibition Order (five counts)
    •    Importation of a Prohibited Weapon (two counts)
    •    Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (fentanyl)
    •    Possess Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution
    •    Escape Lawful Custody
    •    Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device
    •    Smuggling of Prohibited Weapons (Customs Act) (three counts).

Wells was held in custody pending a bail hearing before an Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on Jan. 12. 

The joint investigation was supported by members of HRPS and OPP BEU and the Tactics and Rescue Unit. HRPS says the Canada Border Services Agency also played an important role.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2216.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the website.

The accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.