An enterprising dope dealer took his business to where his potential customers resided, according to cops.
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And that was a homeless encampment in Hamilton’s east end.
Hamilton Police say they executed a search warrant on a tent in notorious Montgomery Park after receiving complaints about an individual suspected of dealing drugs and in possession of a firearm.
On Friday, just after 6 a.m., cops executed the search warrant with the assistance of the Emergency Response Unit. A male was arrested nearby, allegedly in possession of a prohibited weapon.
Detectives charged Matthew Campbell-Lewis, 36, of Hamilton with drug and weapons-related offences.
According to cops, Campbell-Lewis’ hovel was equipped with a generator, a TV and a secure safe, where they located a quantity of cash and drugs.
Officers also located a raccoon roaming around inside the tent that they say was being kept as a pet. City of Hamilton Animal Services was contacted to take the raccoon, and Campbell-Lewis is also facing charges for keeping a prohibited animal.
He is charged with possession of fentanyl, hydromorphone, methamphetamine, possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000, possession of a prohibited weapon and contrary to order (a switchblade), and possession of ammo, contrary to order.
Campbell-Lewis is a long-time Hamilton rounder.
In 2020, he was arrested and charged in a slew of commercial break-ins. According to cops, more than $5,000 in property was stolen from secure compounds. He has several tattoos, including the word “Irish” and a four-leaf clover on the right side of his neck, along with the word “Cancer” and the number “69” on the left side of his neck.
In 2015, Campbell-Lewis was charged with kidnapping and other offences following a violent robbery spree.
During June and July of that year, police investigated 10 street robberies in the east end and Hamilton Mountain area. In each incident, personal items such as purses, cash and electronics were stolen. The victims ranged in age from 16 to 64 years old and included both men and women. In each case, the suspect was armed with a knife or screwdriver and used a stolen vehicle to flee.
Cops said they eventually nabbed Campbell-Lewis red-handed during the commission of another heist. He then allegedly rammed police cruisers with a stolen GMC pickup truck.
He was charged with 12 counts of robbery, 11 counts of masked with intent to commit robbery, kidnapping, unlawful confinement, assault, weapon offences, theft of three stolen pickup trucks, dangerous driving and several breaches.
The outcome of the previous chargers is not known.
If you have any information related to the Montgomery Park investigation, police ask you call 905-546-2907 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
@HunterTOSun