Break-and-enter investigation leads to drug trafficking charges
WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Case #: 26-19292
Break-and-enter investigation leads to drug trafficking charges
The Windsor Police Service has arrested two men and is seeking a third following a break-and-enter investigation that also resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs.
Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on February 23, 2026, officers responded to a report of a break-in at a business in the 6200 block of Hawthorne Drive. Investigators determined that during the previous night, suspects cut a hole in a fence and unlawfully entered the property. They stole construction equipment from a vehicle on site and damaged a welder-generator while attempting to remove it. The suspects fled the area in a U-Haul van.
Through investigation, the Windsor Police Target Base Unit identified two suspects.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on February 26, officers located Jacob Brode, 40, in the 7800 block of Wyandotte Street East. He was arrested following a brief struggle.
A search incident to arrest resulted in the seizure of:
• 18.5 grams of methylenedioxymethamphetamine
• 5.8 grams of crystal methamphetamine
• 5.7 grams of fentanyl
• 2.4 grams of an unknown brown powdery substance
Officers also seized a digital scale, a cutting agent, packaging materials, additional drug paraphernalia, and $410 in Canadian currency. A tool previously reported stolen in the break-and-enter investigation was also recovered.
Later that evening, officers arrested Frank Bucsu, 64, without incident in the 2400 block of Rivard Avenue.
Brode has been charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
• Break-and-enter with intent – non-dwelling (x2)
• Break-and-enter to commit an indictable offence – place other than a dwelling house
• Possession of break-in instruments
• Wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence• Operation while prohibited (x7)
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Mischief under $5,000
• Failure to comply with a release order
Bucsu has been charged with:
• Break-and-enter to commit an indictable offence – place other than a dwelling house
• Possession of break-in instruments
A third suspect remains outstanding. He is described as a white male with a medium build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black winter coat, a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black shoes, and a purple-and-white balaclava.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.