Woman charged in Fredericton in connection to investigation of alleged Hells Angels member

A 40-year-old woman has been charged in connection with an investigation into an alleged Hells Angels MC Nomads N.B. member and faces charges of drug possession and possession of a prohibited device.

Marie Antonette Bugay was arrested Tuesday morning and later released during the execution of a search warrant at an Aberdeen Street home in Fredericton.

Police say they searched the home and seized a quantity of what is believed to be cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and a Taser. A large amount of money was also seized. Bugay appeared in a Fredericton court on Tuesday to face charges of cocaine possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

She has been remanded in custody pending a court appearance Friday.

Bugay is a known associate of Robin Moulton, an alleged member of the Hells Angels MC Nomads N.B., according to police. Moulton was arrested Aug. 22 and remanded in custody pending a court appearance in Saint John on Thursday.

READ MORE: Drugs, silenced rifle seized from alleged Hells Angels member : New Brunswick RCMP

The charges are part of an ongoing RCMP-led joint-force investigation into outlaw motorcycle gang activities. It is in collaboration with the Canadian Border Services Agency, Saint John Police Force, Kennebecasis Regional Police Force, Edmundston Police and Fredericton Police Force.

In a release from Fredericton police, chief Leanne Fitch said outlaw motorcycle gangs are present in the province and gaining visibility, including in Fredericton.

“This is not a new phenomenon,” Fitch said. “The increased visibility and activity around the city and the province continually has and will have our attention.

“When dealing with organized crime, you have to have an organized response.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal activities to their local police or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.