The New Brunswick RCMP has seized six firearms, including several that were loaded and unsecured, as well as drugs and weapons as part of a firearm investigation in Penniac, N.B.
On April 21, 2022, police executed a search warrant at a home on Route 628 in Penniac. During the search, police seized two loaded and unsecured handguns, including one that is prohibited, as well as four other unsecured firearms, including two that were loaded. Police also seized what is believed to be cocaine, fentanyl pills, an unknown substance believed to be a cutting agent, ammunition, money, drug-trafficking paraphernalia, two weapons including one that is prohibited, and eight outlaw motorcycle club vests.
Two men and three women were arrested at the scene without incident.
Wade Anthony Phillips, 41, from Penniac, and Andrew Jim Roberts, 38, from Cape Breton N.S., appeared in Fredericton Provincial Court by way of tele-remand on April 21. They were each charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited and were remanded into custody. They returned to court on April 25 for a bail hearing and were each charged with the following additional offences:
- Possession of a firearm obtained by commission of offence
- Possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
- Unsafe storage of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of firearm
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
Wade Anthony Phillips was remanded into custody and is scheduled to return to court on May 16 at 9:30 a.m. Andrew Jim Roberts remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court on May 2, at 1:30 p.m. The three women were later released.
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 Emergency Response Team, Fredericton Police Force, Police Dog Services, New Brunswick Criminal Intelligence Services and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team assisted. 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.