Stolen vehicles stashed in Burlington were destined for Africa; two from Brampton charged

Stolen vehicles stored in a Burlington warehouse were being prepared for shipment out of the country, police say.

The vehicles, worth $1.5 million, were found in containers and destined for overseas destinations, likely Africa.

A joint operation by Halton Police and Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers foiled the plans by intercepting the vehicles before heading to the Port of Montreal.

Police began their investigation when suspects were identified and kept under watch.

Then, last month, the Regional Auto Theft Task Force officers found the Burlington storage warehouse and watched as the vehicles were loaded into overseas containers.

The CBSA was called in to inspect the containers leading to the recovery of 17 stolen cars and SUVs.

Two men have since been arrested and charged with multiple counts of trafficking stolen property obtained by crime.

Charged are 39-year-old Maxwell Asante and 37-year-old Isaac Osei Appiah, both from Brampton.

A warrant has also been issued for a third suspect.