Hamilton Police made quite the discovery during a proactive encampment check in Gage Park on Tuesday.
Cops say they discovered a series of man-made holes and tunnels that allegedly enabled electricity to be supplied to multiple campers in the area.
Authorities first discovered a large hole – approximately 6 feet in depth – and dug further to find a series of tunnels to allow for extension cords and other electrical wiring to connect to multiple tents in this location.
Police say powering all of this was a generator that had been dug into another hole and covered up with a final power cord running from the generator to a City of Hamilton light pole.
Cops say they determined that a lone male, who they have yet to name, was allegedly responsible for the mischief to the property and he was arrested after a brief foot chase and charged with five offences.
The charges are mischief over $5000, fail to comply probation order, and three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking — one for fentanyl, one for methamphetamine and one for hydromorphone dilaudid.
Cops say due to safety concerns, the remaining tents within the location were relocated and the holes have been fenced off until the city repairs the ground.
Anyone with information to assist police with this investigation, please contact the Division 2 on-duty Staff Sergeant at 905-546-2963.
To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit an anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com