Theft of police USB drive: two people arrested and charged

Two people were charged today in connection to the theft of a police USB key believed to containsecret information on organized crime operations.

Bouamrane Ahmed Fouatih, 31, andRoza Zetchi, 26, werecharged with nine crimes, including theft,fraud, and possession of stolen items.

The USB key was stolen in mid-December from the car belonging toCmdr.PatriceVilceus, a top officer with the police'sEclipse squad, which fights organized crime in the city. Vilceus had left the sensitive device in his car while he was at aChristmas party.

Police could not confirm whether the information was recovered, nor would they say what was on the missing USB key.

Sources said that although investigators are not fully certain of the contents of the data,they may relate to past, current or future police operations.

Arrests made downtown

Thesuspects were arrested in downtown Montreal while trying to use a stolen credit card, police sources told Radio-Canada.

Fouatihdid notenter a plea today. Hisdefence lawyer says they'll take the weekend to examine the evidence and build a case.

Zetchi was released on the condition that she must appear in court on Feb. 5.