A member of the Iron Dragons Motorcycle Club was arrested on January 11, 2024, by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) 2 District Street Crime Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Biker Enforcement Unit when a search warrant was executed at a rural residence in Rockwood.

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

 The following items were seized at the residence (see attached photo): 

  • 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 (6 counts);
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (6 Counts);
  • Possession of Property obtained by crime Over $5000
  • Possession of Property obtained by crime under $5000 (3 counts)
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (3 Counts);
  • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (7 counts);
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon (2 Counts);
  • Careless Use or Storage of Firearm (6 Counts);
  • Breach of Firearms Regulations (6 Counts);
  • Possession of a Firearm Contrary to a Prohibition Order (5 Counts);
  • Importation of a Prohibited Weapon (2 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) (3 counts).

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

 The joint investigation was supported by members of HRPS and OPP BEU and the Tactics and Rescue Unit. 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. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

 Media Inquiries:

Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca

 Quotes

 “Serious crime knows no jurisdictional boundaries. Partnerships between law enforcement agencies are essential in ensuring the safety and security of all. Left unfettered these weapons pose a significant threat to the public. This arrest, search warrant and seizure sends a clear message of our relentless pursuit to hold those involved in organized crime accountable.”

Inspector Dave Costantini, Halton Regional Police Service

 “The items seized from this residence represent the true dangers that criminal groups such as the Iron Dragons Motorcycle Club pose to entire communities. This is an example of the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement partners in the fight against organized crime.”– Detective Inspector Scott Wade, Ontario Provincial Police

 About BEU

The BEU is a joint-forces unit led by the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and works collaboratively with other police services and law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle organized crime groups to ensure safer communities for all Ontarians. Through collaboration with national, international, provincial and municipal agencies, BEU conducts training, multi-jurisdictional criminal investigations and enforcement projects to curtail the organized crime activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs).

 

 Seized Items