Bracebridge and Huntsville OPP began receiving reports from pharmacies in Gravenhurst and Bracebridge about fraudulent prescriptions being submitted between November 13 and 14.
Fraudsters were successful in obtaining hundreds of prescription opioids as a result.
Pharmacists and police were proactive in reaching out to other pharmacies in the area and shortly after 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, a suspect was recognized by staff at a pharmacy in Huntsville while attempting to submit a prescription and police were called. The suspect attempted to enter a waiting vehicle but was located by police and arrested before he could get in.
The vehicle fled but was stopped a short distance away and three occupants of the vehicle were arrested.
Police have charged 23-year-old Ali KHATIB of Mississauga with:
- Use, deals, acts on forged document
- Traffick in Schedule I Substance - Opioid
- Fraud Under $5000
- Personation with Intent
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Fail to Comply with Recognizance
Also charged is 24 year-old Zakaria ELMI of Mississauga with:
- Use, deals, acts on forged document
- Traffick in Schedule I Substance - Opioid
- Fraud Under $5000
- Personation with Intent
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
Also charged is 24-year-old Christopher OYAWALE of Toronto with:
- Use, deals, acts on forged document
- Traffick in Schedule I Substance - Opioid
- Fraud Under $5000
- Dangerous Operation
- Flight from Peace Officer
- Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
Also charged is 23-year-old Twuan MCNEIL of North York with:
- Use, deals, acts on forged document
- Traffick in Schedule I Substance - Opioid
- Fraud Under $5000
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
