Four people have been charged in connection with an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in New Brunswick and Ontario.
In the spring of 2021, the New Brunswick RCMP's Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit (FSOC) began an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in the province and in Ontario. Throughout the course of the investigation, police seized approximately 18 kilograms of cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and $454,000 in cash.
Between January and March 2023, the following people were charged in connection with the investigation:
29-year-old Kaywan Mezbani:
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Commission of an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization
- Instructing a person to commit an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
41-year-old Mehran Ahmadbeigi and 48-year-old Dennis Burbridge were both charged with:
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Commission of an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization
26-year-old Raeshaun Miller:
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Commission of an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
- Trafficking in a controlled substance
This investigation was the result of an operation led by the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit and supported by the following agencies:
- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- The Saint John Police Force
- The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC)
- The Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG)
- Canada Post Corporation
- The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
The Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit has the broad mandate of addressing all types of federal investigations, such as securing Canada's borders, investigating criminality related to national security, serious and organized crime, financial crime, high-level drug enforcement, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure, as well as enforcing federal laws within Canada.
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.