The former president of Windsor-Essex Crime Stoppers has been charged after OPP seized $2.9-million in marijuana plants.
Members of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and the Drug Enforcement Unit have reported that 2,900 marijuana plants between eight and 12 feet in height, were seized having an estimated value of $2.9-million.
In addition, approximately 91 pounds of harvested marijuana was seized, having an estimated value of $180,000.
A police investigation into marijuana possession allegations has resulted in charges against the Crime Stoppers president, Jon-Paul Fuller, who was quickly dismissed from the role.
Charlie Hotham has been reinstated as president. He says he hopes the organization can move forward.
“We don’t want to let one person take away from the good deeds that Crime Stoppers does,” says Hotham. “We will make sure all of our cheques and balances continue to be in place and we look forward to still serving the community.”
The charges against Fuller stem from a raid that took place Wednesday morning in Leamington.
Officials say Fuller has been charged with production of marijuana, as well as possession for the purpose of trafficking.
The local Crime Stoppers organization was quick to react as soon as the news broke. The board held an emergency meeting to terminate Fuller's position as president and re-instated Hotham.
Fuller had served on the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors for three years.
He was elected president of the Windsor-Essex organization just three months ago.
A second person is facing charges in this incident, 55-year-old Doc Phan Van of Leamington.
