A 35-year-old man from Rang-Saint-Georges, N.B., has pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine and been sentenced to two years plus a day in prison, in connection with a drug investigation that began in 2018.
On December 7, 2018, the Caraquet RCMP, with the assistance of the Northeast District RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, executed a search warrant at a home on Route 135 in Rang-Saint-Georges. Police seized quantities of cocaine and marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia, a firearm and money.
On August 31, 2020, police executed search warrants at two homes on Route 135. During the searches, police encountered fortified doors, and seized quantities of cocaine believed to be intended for distribution, as well as significant quantities of Canadian and US currency.
Thirty-five-year-old Harry Arseneault was charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine and one count of failure to comply with an undertaking in connection with the investigations. He pleaded guilty to the charges. On November 5, 2020, he was sentenced to two years plus a day in prison. Following his release, he is prohibited from owning a firearm for a period of ten years.
The investigation is ongoing.
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 drugs 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.