Windsor police have made significant progress in a $500,000 whisky heist, announcing multiple arrests while still seeking additional suspects. On Thursday, officers apprehended five individuals in connection with the theft of over 1,000 boxes of Crown Royal whisky from a truck trailer. The Windsor Police Service revealed the details during a press conference on Friday.

The incident occurred on May 17, when several suspects stole a loaded commercial truck trailer from a fenced facility located near Devonshire Mall. The empty trailer was discovered the following day in the 4000 block of County Road 46. "The stolen whisky, which had a retail value of more than $500,000, remains missing," police stated in a press release.

Windsor police Insp. David DeLuca explained that the non-retail value of the stolen items was estimated at $61,000. "However, the retail value is over half a million, so it's a very valuable commodity," he noted. The investigation was initiated by the Windsor Police Target Base Unit, which quickly identified the five suspects, aged between 27 and 57.

All five individuals face charges of conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. Additionally, four of them are charged with possession of stolen property for the purpose of trafficking exceeding $5,000. One suspect is also charged with break-and-enter at a non-dwelling location and theft of a motor vehicle.

"There’s always video available," DeLuca said. "You’re under video 24 hours a day when you go through the city. So using those investigative techniques, we’re able to identify vehicles and suspects, which led us to these arrests." As part of the investigation, police have seized two vehicles.

Authorities released surveillance footage showing a truck backing up to the doors of the transport trailer parked in an unidentified lot. Const. Bianca Jackson, a spokesperson for the Windsor Police Service, mentioned that a rental truck was likely used to transport some of the stolen whisky to cities like London and possibly farther east.

Investigators are currently searching for two additional suspects. One is described as a white male, approximately 40 years old, with a dark-colored full beard, wearing a baseball hat and dark hoodie. The second suspect is a white man in his thirties, also wearing a dark hoodie, along with black shorts and shoes.

"The investigation is ongoing and other arrests are anticipated," police said. They are urging anyone with information about the case to contact them at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350, or Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477. Jackson remarked, "In my time here, I can't say that I have recalled seeing anything like this before," highlighting the unusual nature of the crime.