A 39-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man, both from Moncton, N.B., have been arrested 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.
Later the same day, police executed a second warrant at a residence on Salisbury Road in connection with the investigation. As a result of both searches, police seized significant quantities of what is believed to be crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, money and drug trafficking paraphernalia. Police also seized a loaded and restricted firearm, and four prohibited weapons including a homemade taser.
On April 7, 2023, Stephanie Albert and Andrew Griffiths appeared in Moncton Provincial Court by way of tele-remand, and were charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
On April 11, the following charges were jointly laid against Stephanie Albert and Andrew Griffiths in Moncton Provincial Court:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking crystal methamphetamine
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition without a license
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unsafe storage of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm while knowing possession is unauthorized
Both individuals remain in custody and are scheduled to return to court on April 18 at 9:30 a.m.
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.
The investigation is ongoing.