Halifax RCMP say they made a significant drug bust that has resulted in the arrests of nine people.
Police say they conducted a six-month investigation into drug trafficking in the Halifax Regional Municipality, which led them to search seven residences in Halifax, Timberlea, Lower Sackville, and Fairview.
Officers seized 165 pounds of marijuana, seven kilograms of cocaine, roughly 2.5 kilograms of hash and two kilograms of cannabis resin (or hash oil) in their search. Police believe the drugs were destined to hit the streets of Halifax communities.
Roughly $185,000 in cash and nine vehicles were also seized in the bust.
"Drugs are often associated with other criminal activity, including violence," says Chief Superintendent Brian Brennan, RCMP Criminal Operations Officer for Nova Scotia. "Individuals involved with drugs are driven by money and greed and care nothing about community well being."
Brennan says the seizures and subsequent arrests will have a significant impact on the drug trade in Nova Scotia.
Sean Michael Decker, Kenneth Vasil Keeping, Borden Silver Hovey, Lisa Anne MacMaster and Kevin James Matheson – all of Halifax – have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Lucien Pierre Calestagne and Anthony James Lee - both from communities in British Columbia – are also charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.
John Willis Field of Timberlea and Kyle Ernest Shields of Lower Sackville are also facing trafficking charges.
Police say Matheson is in custody and is due to appear in Halifax provincial court today.
Decker, Calestagne, Lee, Keeping, Shields and Fields are also in custody and will appear in court on Friday.
Hovey and MacMaster were released with conditions and are scheduled to appear in court on December 5.
Police say they are still investigating the case and they expect that further charges will be laid.
