A man from Toronto, previously arrested for theft and possession of stolen items while adrift in the Atlantic Ocean, now faces a series of new charges, including theft and weapons offenses, related to purported incidents in Western Canada.
Mohammad Saleh, 31, initially faced two charges each of vehicle theft and possession of stolen goods after a stolen truck from Alberta was discovered at a marina in D’Escousse, N.S., where a cabin cruiser was reported taken from the dock by the RCMP.
Subsequently, federal fisheries officers spotted the boat drifting near the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon close to Newfoundland during an aerial survey several days later.
Two days after, on Sept. 30, authorities including the Mounties, DFO, military, and coast guard intercepted the boat near Sable Island.
Crown attorney Keavin Gallant Finnerty described the case as unusual, stating, “The allegations are unique in many ways, especially considering the collaborative investigation involving the RCMP, Canadian Coast Guard, and the circumstances of someone being discovered about 400 kilometers offshore.”
Saleh, appearing in Port Hawkesbury provincial court, faces a total of 17 charges linked to theft in Nova Scotia, outstanding warrants for vehicle theft and weapons offenses in Alberta and British Columbia, alongside charges for being at large and violating release conditions.
Gallant Finnerty mentioned that the case is still under investigation, and it is premature to determine why Saleh found himself in a boat off the East Coast. Further details were not provided by the Crown attorney.
Crown attorney Jeffrey Columbus stated that authorities out west have no immediate plans to execute the outstanding warrants. Saleh’s defense counsel declined to comment, and he remains in custody, scheduled for a court appearance next Tuesday. The Crown prosecutors oppose his release, citing ongoing police investigations and the complexity of the case that may affect the feasibility of a bail hearing next week.
