Two women and four men have been arrested in connection with a drug trafficking investigation in the Southeast Region of New Brunswick.
In August 2023, members of the RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Unit (PCRU) began an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in the Southeast Region of New Brunswick.
On November 2, 2023, PCRU members, with assistance from the Codiac Regional RCMP's Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), Codiac Integrated Enforcement Unit (IEU), RCMP's Federal Serious and Organized Crime section, and RCMP Police Dog Services executed search warrants at five separate locations in Shediac, Ammon, Dieppe, and Shemogue, in connection with the investigation.
As a result of the five searches, police seized significant quantities of what is believed to be cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, MDMA, and money. Police also seized two prohibited firearms, two restricted firearms, and a non-restricted firearm; all of which were loaded and/or unsecured. Drug trafficking paraphernalia and six vehicles, totalling an approximate value of $345,000, were also seized.
Two women and four men were arrested in connection with the investigation. A 58-year-old woman and a 30-year-old woman, as well as a 36-year-old man and a 62-year-old man, were all later released and are scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court on January 12, 2024.
On November 3, 33-year-old Jessie James Cormier of Ammon, N.B., appeared in Moncton Provincial Court via tele-remand, and was charged with possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition. He was remanded into custody, and returned to court on November 6 where the following additional charges were laid:
- Possession of a weapon contrary to an order
- Possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number
- Unsafe storage of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a loaded restricted firearm
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
He was remanded into custody, and returned to court on November 9, where the following additional charges were laid:
- Contravention of storage regulations
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device
- Possession of a prohibited firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a prohibited device knowing its possession is unauthorized
He was remanded into custody.
On November 3, 40-year-old Luc William LeBlanc of Dieppe, N.B. appeared in Moncton Provincial Court via tele-remand, and was charged with possession of a restricted firearm. He was remanded into custody, and returned to court on November 7 where the following additional charges were laid:
- Four counts of unsafe storage of a firearm
- Four counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon
- Two counts of unauthorized possession of a loaded restricted firearm
- Two counts of possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number
- Two counts of careless use, storage, handling and transport of a firearm
- Possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing possession is unauthorized
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking Methylenedioxyamphetamine (ecstasy)
He was remanded into custody, and returned to court on November 8 where his bail hearing was adjourned until November 20.
The Provincial Crime Reduction Unit includes police officers from the New Brunswick RCMP. Its 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.