MONTREAL — About 120 police officers swooped in well before daybreak Thursday, arresting a dozen suspects to break up a well-organized regional drug ring believed to have been making home deliveries.
Sûreté du Québec investigators believe the ring distributed and retailed — sometimes with home delivery provided — cocaine, cannabis, hashish and methamphetamines, SQ Sgt. Ingrid Asselin added.
Five homes and four vehicles were targeted, using nine search warrants.
Police from five forces moved in simultaneously about 5:15 a.m.
Asselin reported that 10 of a total of 12 suspects initially targeted were arrested during the first hour.
The full dozen had been taken into custody by 7:15 a.m.
A 13th suspect, added to the list by investigators at the last minute, remained at large, Asselin said.
The ages of those picked up varies.
Asselin described the ring as “well-structured, and in place for several years.”
It was believed to have been operating primarily in the area of St-Amable and Chambly.
Suspects are likely to be arraigned later Thursday in Sorel on a range of drug charges, Asselin said, including trafficking and possession.
Apart from the SQ, the Régie intermunicipale de police Richelieu St-Laurent and Longueuil, Montreal and St-Jean-sur-Richelieu municipal police took part in the crackdown.
The investigation began in January, Asselin said.
She said it was too early to provide a breakdown of the quantities of various drugs seized — or whether officers came across any firearms.
But, she added, the arrests all were apparently conducted smoothly.
Meanwhile, Asselin encouraged “anyone with information on this type of crime” to call in confidential tips to an SQ hotline, at 1-800-659-4264.
- ‘Shock and disbelief’ after Manitoba school trustee’s Indigenous comments
- Several baby products have been recalled by Health Canada. Here’s the list
- Canadian food banks are on the brink: ‘This is not a sustainable situation’
- Invasive strep: ‘Don’t wait’ to seek care, N.S. woman warns on long road to recovery
Comments