A 33-year-old man, a 31-year-old man, and a 41-year-old woman, all from Moncton, N.B. have been charged following a drug trafficking investigation in the community.
In January 2023, the Codiac Regional RCMP's Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and the New Brunswick Integrated Enforcement Unit (IEU) began an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in the Moncton area.
On February 16, 2023, at approximately 10 p.m., members of the Codiac CRU and the New Brunswick IEU executed a search warrant at a residence on Second Avenue in Moncton. During the search, police seized a non-restricted firearm, ammunition, and quantities of what are believed to be methamphetamine and hydromorphone. A 31-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
Subsequent to the execution of the search warrant, police stopped a vehicle in connection with the investigation. Police searched the vehicle and seized a restricted firearm, ammunition and quantities of what are believed to be hydromorphone and crystal methamphetamine. A 33-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were arrested at the scene.
On February 17, 2023, 31-year-old Shawn William LeBlanc appeared in Moncton Provincial Court via tele-remand and was charged with the following:
- possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
- possession for the purpose of trafficking hydromorphone
- unsafe storage of firearm
- unauthorized possession of a firearm
- possession of firearm contrary to order
On February 17, 2023, 33-year-old James Richard Cormier appeared in Moncton Provincial Court via tele-remand and was charged with the following:
- possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
- possession for the purpose of trafficking hydromorphone
- resisting arrest
- unsafe storage of firearm
- three counts of unauthorized possession of firearm
- three counts of possession of firearm contrary to order
The two men were remanded into custody, and are scheduled to return to court on February 22, 2023.
On February 17, 2023, 41-year-old Natalie Symes appeared in Moncton Provincial Court via tele-remand and was charged with the following:
- possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
- possession for the purpose of trafficking hydromorphone
- unauthorized possession of firearm
- obstructing a peace officer
- unsafe storage of a firearm
She was released from custody and is scheduled to return to court on February 22, 2023.
This investigation was the result of a joint effort between the Codiac Regional RCMP's Crime Reduction Unit and the New Brunswick Integrated Enforcement Unit (IEU). The New Brunswick IEU is made up of members from the New Brunswick RCMP, as well as municipal police and Justice and Public Safety officers in the province. These efforts aim to improve the coordinated response to the growing concerns of drugs, firearms, and organized crime within New Brunswick.
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.