The New Brunswick RCMP has arrested six people and seized drugs, drug-trafficking paraphernalia and money as part of a drug trafficking investigation in Elsipogtog, N.B.
On April 28, 2022, at approximately 11:05 a.m., police executed a search warrant at a home on Riverside Drive and arrested six people in connection with a street-level drug trafficking investigation. Subsequent to the arrests, police seized what are believed to be crack-cocaine, cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia including digital scales, and money. Four individuals were later released.
Rhona Melissa Joseph, 47 from Elsipogtog, and Mark Blackburn, 56 from Pointe-du-Chêne, appeared in Moncton Provincial Court by way of tele-remand on April 29 and were each charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking . Rhona Melissa Joseph was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 2 at 2 p.m., for a bail hearing. Mark Blackburn was released on strict conditions including not to be in the community of Elsipogtog. He is scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court on May 24 at 9:30 a.m.
The investigation was conducted by the Provincial Crime Reduction Unit, which includes police officers from the New Brunswick RCMP and Fredericton Police Force. Members of the Elsipogtog RCMP assisted with the search. These efforts focus on disrupting and dismantling the trafficking of illegal drugs in our province, targeting those causing the most harm in our communities.
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.