A 28-year-old man from Prince William, N.B., is facing further charges related to an ongoing drug investigation in the community.
In May 2021, the New Brunswick RCMP's Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit (FSOC) began an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in the Prince William area. On May 13, 2021, FSOC members, with the assistance of the New Brunswick RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Unit (PCRU) executed a search warrant at a residence on Pokiok Settlement Road in connection with the investigation. During the search, police seized quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, hydromorphone pills, marijuana, a number of electronic devices, chemicals, and drug trafficking paraphernalia. A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
Following a further investigation, police obtained evidence of the importation of illegal chemicals, used to manufacture drugs, into Canada.
On May 13, 2021, Christopher Isaiah Eatmon appeared in Fredericton Provincial Court and was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine. He was remanded in custody. On May 18, 2022, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in jail.
On September 28, 2022, Christopher Isaiah Eatmon returned to Fredericton Provincial Court and was charged with:
- Conspiring to produce a substance included in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
- Production of a substance included in Schedule I of the CDSA
- Conspiring to traffic isotonitazene
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking isotonitazene
He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to return to court on September 29, at 1:30 p.m., for a bail hearing.
This investigation was the result of an operation by the Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit, which has the broad mandate of addressing all types of federal investigations, such as secure Canada's borders, investigate criminality related to national security, serious and organized crime, financial crime, high-level drug enforcement, ensure the safety of critical infrastructure, as well as enforcing federal laws within New Brunswick.
In recent years, a number of synthetic opioids called ''Shady 8'', or Dilaudid 8, have emerged in the drug supply in New Brunswick. These opioids are a serious concern to our communities and are highly addictive, can cause serious health concerns including death, and can decrease the effectiveness for Naloxone to work in counteracting overdoses from these drugs.
The public plays an important role in helping to reduce, prevent and solve crime, including the trafficking of illegal drugs. Anyone with information about, or who suspects, illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact their local police. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
The investigation is ongoing.