It began as a bizarre whisper amongst store managers – vanishing butter. Not just a few pats here and there, but staggering quantities. Then came the ghee, a rich, golden clarified butter prized in Indian cuisine, disappearing in equally alarming numbers. The scale of the thefts was almost unbelievable.
A three-month investigation by Peel Regional Police uncovered a shocking truth. A Brampton man, 48-year-old Pintu Gohil, was allegedly at the center of a sophisticated retail theft operation, pilfering an estimated $30,000 worth of goods. The haul wasn’t limited to dairy; authorities also recovered 300 bottles of alcohol during a search of his residence.
The numbers are almost comical, yet the impact is far from it: 100 bricks of butter, 91 tubs of ghee. These weren’t impulse buys; this was organized theft, a deliberate and calculated effort to deprive businesses of their inventory. Gohil now faces two counts of possession of property obtained by crime and has been released on an undertaking, with a court date set for April 7th.
Police officials are keen to emphasize that retail theft isn’t a minor offense. Acting Deputy Chief Hubert Hiltz stated that these crimes ripple through the community, leading to increased prices for consumers, potential job losses, and a decline in local investment. It’s a direct assault on the economic health of the region.
While the situation is concerning, there’s a glimmer of hope. Peel Regional Police reported nearly 7,500 retail thefts in 2025, but have observed a 6% reduction in incidents since 2024. This suggests that increased vigilance and proactive policing are beginning to yield results, though the fight against retail crime is far from over.
Investigators continue to seek information related to this case. Anyone with knowledge of the thefts is urged to contact 12 Division, or to submit an anonymous tip through Peel Crime Stoppers. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in preventing future incidents and protecting the community.
