Suspicious purchase of Ammonium Nitrate

NIAGARA, June 9 /CNW/ - On the 26th of May, 2010, between 2 pm and 3 pm, a lone male attended the Vineland Growers Co-operative in Jordan Station, Ontario and purchased a large quantity of ammonium nitrate. The product was loaded on a well used single axle trailer with a little rust which was being towed by a red or maroon minivan, no license plate was recorded.

The supplier believed at the time that the subject was making the purchase on behalf of a regular customer who is known to the vendors. This was subsequently found not to be the case. The unidentified customer paid cash and no identification was obtained.

    
    The subject was described as:
    -----------------------------
    -   Caucasian;
    -   believed to be in late 50's or early 60's;
    -   short; approx. 5'6"- 5'8"; with a stocky build;
    -   severed fingers on his right hand;
    -   brown unkempt hair, brown eyes;
    -   with a broad mouth and irregular teeth;
    -   possibly walked with a slight limp and;
    -   had an acute accent (possibly Mediterranean).
    

A composite drawing of the suspect is available upon request.

The circumstances of this incident, as they are now known, require that the RCMP led Integrated National Security Enforcement Team in Ontario (O-INSET) assumes responsibility for this investigation. The investigation will continue in conjunction with the Niagara Regional Police Service and other law enforcement partners.

Police are asking for public assistance in identifying the individual who purchased the fertilizer.

If you have any information to assist us with this investigation, please contact the National Security Information Line at 1-800-420-5805 or by email at [email protected], the Niagara Regional Police Service at [phone] or your local police of jurisdiction.

If you would like to remain anonymous, you can provide the information through Crime Stoppers of Niagara Region at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS); or send a text message to 274637 (CRIMES).

For further information: Sgt. Marc LaPorte, RCMP media relations, Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]