NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police has seized one loaded firearm and a large quantity of drugs after a traffic stop in the City of Vaughan.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, around 9:20 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a vehicle travelling in the area of Buttermill Avenue and Millway Avenue. Police learned the registered owner of the vehicle did not have a valid driver’s licence. Police located marijuana in the vehicle. The driver was searched, along with the vehicle. Police located a loaded handgun in a bag accessible to the driver, along with a large quantity of marijuana, suspected opioid drugs and cash.
The investigation led officers to execute three search warrants. Officers located more than 30 marijuana plants and drug-packaging items. Matthew Pinkney, 35, of Toronto has been charged with numerous Criminal Code offences, along with offences under the Cannabis Act Ontario and Highway Traffic Act.
CHARGED:
- Matthew Pinkney, 35, of Toronto
CHARGES:
- Possession of Cocaine
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine
- Possession of Opioid
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking - Opioid
- Possession of Heroin
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking - Heroin
- Possession for the Purpose of Distributing
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition
- Possessiono of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
- Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition
- Possession of a Weapon
- Drive Motor Vehicle or Boat with Cannabis Readily Available
- Drive Motor Vehicle No Licence
- Disobey Stop Sign - Fail to Stop
- Entire Plate Not Plainly Visible
- Adult Distribute Cannabis Over 30 Grams
The investigation is ongoing.
“This is an excellent example of proactive policing that resulted guns and drugs being taken off our streets,” said Chief Jim MacSween. “I commend the officers’ actions and their perseverance in affecting these arrests.”
York Regional Police remains committed to combating the distribution of opioids in our community. For more information on how partners from across York Region are working together to reduce opioid harms, read the Opioid Action Plan. A video on the dangers of fentanyl is available for viewing here: https://youtu.be/uGXqlaj3mKE
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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