Tent search in Hamilton leads to weapon and ‘pet’ raccoon find

A Hamilton police search of a tent in Montgomery Park on Friday led to a prohibited weapons charge and the discovery of a ‘pet’ raccoon.

Police executed a search warrant early in the morning of Dec. 20 after receiving complaints about someone suspected of dealing drugs and in possession of a firearm.

Authorities entered the tent to find a raccoon roaming around and a cage where it was reportedly being kept as a pet.

There was also a generator, TV and a secure safe where cash and drugs were being stashed.

The male occupant of the tent was located nearby and was found with an illegal weapon.

Matthew Campbell-Lewis, 36, of Hamilton is facing charges for possession of a prohibited weapon and the illicit drugs of fentanyl, hydromorphone and methamphetamine.

Campbell-Lewis also faces a city by-law charge for illegally keeping a prohibited animal.

Animal Services in Hamilton was contacted to take the raccoon.

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