Two Alberta men are facing charges after trying to sell a truckload of stolen canola in an incident that ended with an RCMP pursuit of a grain truck involving multiple constables, dog units as well as the Mounties’ helicopter.
Bashaw RCMP said theft of a “significant amount” of canola occurred during the early morning hours of Sept. 28 from a farm in Camrose County.
Later that same day, RCMP received a tip that “suspicious individuals” were attempting to sell canola in the region.
Constables were able to locate a grain truck and another vehicle believed to be involved in the canola theft earlier in the day.
Read Also
Agri-business and farms front and centre for Alberta’s Open Farm Days
Open Farm Days continues to enjoy success in its 14th year running, as Alberta farms and agri-businesses were showcased to increase awareness on how food gets to the dinner plate.
One vehicle was stopped near Mirror, Alta. and the driver was arrested. Police found a loaded 12-gauge shotgun in the vehicle. The grain truck failed to stop for the Mounties.
RCMP from several detachments and units eventually apprehended the driver after stopping the grain truck using a spike belt.
A stolen auger was also recovered by RCMP.
The driver of the grain truck, Stettler, Alta., resident Jesse James Lyman MacDonald, 33, faces more than a dozen charges relating to the canola theft and police pursuit.
Fellow Stettler resident Tristan James Ruby, 36, faces weapons and property crime related offences, as well as nine charges of being unlawfully at large.
The canola theft is not unique.
In 2020, about 50 tonnes of canola, valued at $25,000 was stolen from a farm near Morden, Manitoba.
As well that year, 700 bushels of grain were stolen from a farmyard near Cypress River, Man.
In 2021, a farmer in the Rural Municipality of Argyle, Man., reported 2,000 bu. of wheat stolen while an Alexander, Man., farmer had more than 1,500 bu. stolen earlier this year.
A farmer near Outlook, Sask., had $40,000 worth of canola stolen in October of 2021.
