Canadian Officials Linking Vt. Maple Company to Large Scale Mapl - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

Canadian Officials Linking Vt. Maple Company to Large Scale Maple Syrup Theft

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QUEBEC -

According to the Burlington Free Press, Canadian officials are linking Maple Grove Farms of Vermont to a large scale maple syrup theft in Quebec last year.

FOX44 and ABC22 reported in August 2012 that more than $18 million worth of maple syrup was stolen at a warehouse between Montreal and Quebec City.

In December, police arrested 3 people, two of which have been charged. Those two individuals have been identified as 34-year-old Richard Vallieres and 39-year-old Avik Caron. They are both facing theft charges, conspiracy and handling stolen good and fraud.

Reacting to these claims, Maple Grove Farms released this statement Monday morning:

"It has been reported that Maple Grove Farms purchased maple syrup from Mr. Richard Vallieres that allegedly has been stolen from the Federation of Québec Maple Syrup Producers.  Maple Grove Farms is committed to providing quality products and observing high ethical standards in the conduct of our business.  Maple Grove Farms purchased the maple syrup in good faith with no reason to believe that it was coming from Québec or that it may have been stolen.  Press reports that the prices paid for the maple syrup were "substantially below normal rates" are inaccurate.  The prices paid were consistent with normal commercial prices for maple syrup purchased from sources outside of Québec.  Maple Grove Farms is fully cooperating with the investigation being conducted by the authorities, including the Québec Police."

Police said back in December they were still looking for five more people. No word on whether any or all of those five people have been arrested.

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