Suspicious bin dragged near Barrie’s downtown ends in weapons bust, arrests

Barrie police officers on patrol observed two men pulling a large bin full of tools shortly before 2 a.m. in the area of Dunlop Street West and Anne Street in Barrie, Ont., on Feb. 26, 2026. (Barrie Police)

Two men on a late-night stroll in the city’s west end found themselves in handcuffs after police spotted them hauling a large bin filled with tools through the snow.

On Thursday around 2 a.m., officers on patrol noticed the pair near the intersection of Dunlop Street West and Anne Street.

According to the Barrie police report, the men were pulling a large bin packed with tools, an unusual sight at that hour, prompting officers to stop and investigate.

During the probe, police learned one of the men had an outstanding warrant issued by another police service. Police say he was arrested on the strength of that warrant.

As officers continued looking into the situation, they allegedly spotted what they believed to be controlled substance residue inside a glass pipe. The second man was arrested for possession.

A further search turned up a prohibited knife and a canister of bear repellent.

Police say they then followed tracks left in the snow, which led them to a pickup truck parked along Hart Drive. Investigators allege the tools had been taken from that vehicle.

As a result, a 39-year-old Barrie man has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, possession of a prohibited weapon and failure to comply with a prohibition order.

A 38-year-old man is also facing a charge of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.