Update: The names of two of the below individuals were previously written incorrectly. This has now been corrected. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Five people from Quispamsis, N.B., have been charged following a drug investigation in Quispamsis and Saint John, NB.
In June 2021, the New Brunswick RCMP's Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit (FSOC) began an investigation into the unlawful possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution.
On June 29, 2021, FSOC members executed a search warrant at a residence on Cloverdale Street in Quispamsis, in connection with the investigation. During the search, police seized large quantities of cannabis, a number of electronic devices, and nearly $115,000 of Canadian currency. Subsequent to the search, police executed two additional search warrants at two illegal Cannabis Dispensaries in Saint John.
On December 2, 2022, a number of charges in relation to money laundering, possession of proceeds of crime and offences contrary to the Cannabis Act, were laid against the following individuals in Saint John Provincial Court:
- 29-year-old Kaywan Mezbani
- 58-year-old Amir Mezbani
- 53-year-old Maheen Ahmadbeigi
- 30-year-old Afsanneh Mezbani
- 37-year-old Pegah Abdulahi
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.
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.