An extensive drug, firearms and stolen property investigation led by the Cumberland Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (CISCEU) has resulted in more than 250 charges in addition to the seizure of more than 40 firearms and quantities of illicit drugs and the recovery of property obtained by crime.
"This investigation, which began in late June and continues, represents one of the many integrated initiatives underway by the RCMP and the Amherst Police Department to help ensure public safety in Cumberland County and Amherst," says S/Sgt. Andrew Clarke, District Commander, Cumberland County District RCMP.
The CISCEU has charged Steven Matthew Wilson, 39, of Tatmagouche, and Bobbi Marie Willigar, 31, of Hansford, as follows.
Wilson and Willigar are both charged with:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (46 counts)
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (47 counts)
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (47 counts)
- Careless Use of a Firearm (47 counts)
- Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Commission of an Offence
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (11 counts)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
- Possession of Prohibited Weapon, Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession for the Purposes of Trafficking (4 counts)
Wilson has also been charged additionally with: Tampering a Vehicle Identification Number and Possession Contrary to Order (49 counts).
The two were initially arrested on July 31 when CISCEU executed warrants at two homes in Birchwood and Hansford. Wilson was remanded into custody and Willigar was released on conditions pending a future court appearance and further investigation.
The firearms seized included rifles and shotguns, the illicit drugs are believed to be methamphetamine tablets, crystal methamphetamine and oxycodone tablets. The recovered items include ATVs, tools, generators, trailers and heaters. Cumberland County District RCMP continues efforts to identify rightful owners of some of the items.
"Our integrated street crime enforcement unit, supported by both Amherst Police and Cumberland RCMP, deserves to be commended for its efforts on this investigation," says Chief Dwayne Pike, Amherst Police Department. "I know the team is happy to be directly contributing to the safety of residents in their communities through this work."
Wilson and Willigar are scheduled to appear in Amherst Provincial Court on November 6 to face the charges as listed above.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information that may support the investigation is asked to contact Cumberland County District RCMP at 902-667-3859 or Amherst Police Department at 902-667-8600. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
Background:
- On July 31 the CISCEU, assisted by the RCMP Emergency Response Team executed two search warrants in Birchwood and Hansford where they arrested seven men and one woman: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2024/cumberland-county-district-rcmp-search-a-wanted-man-search-warrants
- During those searches, officers seized more than 1500 methamphetamine tablets, 150 oxycodone tablets, approximately a kilogram of crystal methamphetamine, 40 firearms, illegal tobacco and six all-terrain vehicles believed to be stolen: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2024/update-cumberland-county-district-rcmp-seizes-drugs-firearms-tobacco-and-stolen-atvs
File #s: 2024-1054499, 2024-1012671
Note:
- The Cumberland Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit includes members of the Cumberland County District RCMP and the Amherst Police Department.