A 35-year-old man from Moncton, N.B., has been sentenced to five years in prison following a drug trafficking investigation in the community.
In February 2023, members of the New Brunswick RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Unit (PCRU) began an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in Moncton.
On April 6, 2023, PCRU members executed a search warrant at a residence on Mill Road in Moncton. A 39-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man were arrested at the scene in connection with the investigation. A second woman was also arrested at the scene on an unrelated matter, and was later released.
On April 11, a total of seven of charges related to possession for the purpose of trafficking, as well as firearm and weapons related charges, were jointly laid against Stephanie Albert and Andrew Griffiths in Moncton Provincial Court.
On May 2, Andrew Griffiths plead guilty to the following charges:
- Two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking crystal methamphetamine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking psilocybin
- Possession of a restricted firearm without a license
He was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison. Upon his release, he will be prohibited from owning firearms for life.
The Provincial Crime Reduction Unit includes police officers from the New Brunswick RCMP. Its efforts focus on disrupting and dismantling the trafficking of illegal drugs in our province, targeting those causing the most harm in our communities. Members of the Codiac Regional RCMP as well as RCMP Police Dog Services also assisted with the searches.
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.