The New Brunswick RCMP has arrested five people, and seized significant quantities of weapons and drugs in what may be the largest seizure of fentanyl in the province's history.
In September, 2022, the New Brunswick RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Unit (PCRU) began an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in Haut-Aboujagane and the southeast part of the province.
On October 28, police arrested a 32-year-old man outside of a residence on Aboujagane Road, in connection with the investigation. Subsequent to the arrest, police executed three search warrants at different locations, in the Haut-Aboujagane and Grand Barachois areas. During the searches, police seized what is believed to be nearly five kilograms of fentanyl, significant quantities of what is believed to be cocaine, shady 8 pills (known to contain fentanyl), crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, and hydromorphone pills as well as drug production equipment and drug trafficking paraphernalia. Police also seized four non-restricted firearms, three prohibited firearms, two restricted firearms, a crossbow, various ammunition and magazines, as well as a number of vehicles and several stolen items including a stolen generator.
Five individuals were arrested in connection with the investigation, including a 32-year-old man, a 34-year-old man, a 25-year-old woman, and a second 32-year-old man from Haut-Aboujagane, and a 55-year-old man from Grand Barachois.
Four of the five individuals were released on conditions, and are scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court on January 6, 2023.
On October 29, Gilles Vienneau-Gallant appeared in Moncton Provincial Court by way of tele-remand, and was charged with unauthorized possession of firearms. He was remanded into custody.
On November 1, Gilles Vienneau-Gallant returned to court and was charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking hydromorphone
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking crystal methamphetamine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
- Possession of a firearm without a licence
- Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm
- Production of a schedule 1 drug
He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on November 4 at 1:30 p.m. for a bail hearing.
"We believe these arrests and seizures have dismantled a drug production site in the province," says S/Sgt. Jeff Johnston with the New Brunswick RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Unit. "This is a significant step toward preventing harmful drugs from reaching the hands of vulnerable New Brunswickers."
The investigation was conducted by the Provincial Crime Reduction Unit, which includes police officers from the New Brunswick RCMP and Fredericton Police Force. Members of the Codiac Crime Reduction Unit, New Brunswick Integrated Enforcement Unit, Southeast District RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, Southeast District RCMP General Duty, RCMP Police Dog Services, The National Weapons Enforcement Support Team and members from the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia RCMP Clandestine lab teams assisted with the searches. These efforts focus on disrupting and dismantling the trafficking of illegal drugs in our province, targeting those causing the most harm in our communities.
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.