N.S. RCMP arrest 14 people, seize 'significant quantity of drugs, firearms and cash' in major drug trafficking bust
Nova Scotia RCMP has arrested 14 people and seized a 'significant quantity of drugs, firearms and money,' after police say they disrupted a drug trafficking ring as the result of an 11-month investigation.
Police say on December 9, 2020, the Nova Scotia RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit arrested two men during a traffic stop on Elliott St. in Halifax, after they threw a loaded handgun out the window. Police recovered and seized the gun and searched the vehicle, where they found cocaine.
Several videos posted on social media on Dec. 9 showed police vehicles speeding under an overpass and down a street in Halifax. In one video, a sedan was chased by police off the Bicentennial Highway, over grass, between traffic, and over a sidewalk, before slamming into a power pole on Elliott Street.
Police say the traffic stop prompted a search of a Halifax home, where police located and seized a loaded firearm with various amounts of ammunition. The passenger of the vehicle, Dawid Jakub Dennisow, was charged with additional firearms offences.
According to police, 13 additional locations known for drug activity throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality were also searched on Dec. 9, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of a significant amount drugs, money, firearms and other items.
Police say the following was seized as a result of the searches:
- 3.5 kg of cocaine
- 110 kg of Benzocaine and other cutting agents
- 400 pills, including Heroin, steroids and combination codeine/caffeine tablets (ratio-Lenoltec)
- 10 firearms
- Conducted Energy Weapon
- $369,000 in cash
- Three hydraulic cocaine presses
- Bear spray
- Drug paraphernalia
- Two body armour
- 122 lbs of cannabis products
- 310 cannabis plants
Police say the investigation also uncovered a cocaine processing house and a clandestine lab for processing cannabis. The clandestine lab had tanks of highly explosive propane and butane, so the RCMP Clandestine Laboratory Team and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency were called to safely dismantle the lab.
RCMP says they discovered three other houses involved in drug processing. All five properties were restrained by police, as well as five vehicles that were used while committing an offence, meaning that owners must maintain care of the homes and vehicles until they go to a forfeiture hearing.
“This is an example of outstanding work by our officers and partners,” says Supt. Jason Popik, Federal Criminal Operations Officer in a news release. “Together, we have disrupted a complex drug trafficking ring, prevented a significant quantity of dangerous and highly-addictive drugs from getting to our streets and we are holding criminals accountable for their harm to communities.”
The RCMP has charged the following 14 people with approximately 100 offences.
- Gary Michael Boudreau, 44, of Halifax
- Jacob Thomas Cuvelier, 27, of Halifax
- Cyril Allison Delong, 27, of Kentville
- Dawid Jakub Dennisow, 25, of Halifax
- Stephen Alexander Fleming, 39, of Bedford
- Shawn Alonzo Forrestall, 41, of Pockwock
- Barry Gerrard, 64, of Pope’s Harbour
- Kailey Lynn Kane, 25, of New Glasgow
- Nicholas W. B. Macleod, 33, of Halifax
- Karam Chafic Makhoul, 29, of Williamswood
- Cameron Mombourquette, 23, of Bedford
- Bradley John Schofield, 44, of Tantallon
- Christian Alexander Strickland, 35, of Halifax
- Samer Zakhour, 34, of Hammonds Plains
Police say the investigation is ongoing and being led by the Nova Scotia RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit with assistance from the Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Forensic Identification Services, Digital Forensics Services, Ontario RCMP and Halifax District RCMP.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.