Update, October 23, 2023: Clayton Townes has since attended Fredericton Provincial Court, and has been convicted on a total of 33 charges. He was sentenced to a total of nine years and six months in prison, minus time already served.
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Original news release from February 2022:
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The New Brunswick RCMP has arrested two people and seized significant quantities of various drugs, as well as firearms, weapons, stolen property, and money at a residence in McAdam, N.B.
On January 28, at approximately 9 a.m., members of the West District RCMP attended a residence on Harvey Road at the request of the Department of Social Development. While on scene, police observed an unsecured weapon and various drugs in plain view. A 35-year-old man and 25-year-old woman were arrested at the scene.
The residence was secured and a search warrant was executed by the West District RCMP and the Provincial Crime Reduction Unit later that day. During the search, police seized significant quantities of what are believed to be methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. Police also seized three handguns, one of which is prohibited, four other firearms, several other weapons, and money. A number of stolen items including several stolen vehicles were also recovered.
Clayton Townes appeared in Fredericton Provincial Court by way of tele-remand on January 29 and was charged with possession of firearms while prohibited. He was remanded into custody.
On February 1, Clayton Townes returned to court and was charged with eight additional offences, including:
- Possession of a loaded, prohibited firearm without authorization
- Unauthorized possession of prohibited weapons
- Unauthorized possession of firearms
- Unsafe storage of firearms
- Resisting arrest
- Possession of instruments and materials intended for counterfeiting money
- Possession of property obtained by crime of a value exceeding $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime of a value not exceeding $5,000
He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to return to court on February 3 at 1:30 p.m. for a bail hearing.
The 25-year-old woman was later released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Fredericton Provincial Court on May 11, 2022.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the West District RCMP and the Provincial Crime Reduction Unit, which includes police officers from the New Brunswick RCMP and Fredericton Police Force. 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.