New Brunswick RCMP say they have carried out what may be the “largest seizure of fentanyl in the province’s history.”
Police said in a release that five people were arrested, and “significant quantities” of weapons and drugs were seized.
The investigation into drug trafficking in Haute-Aboujagane and the southeast part of the province, began last September.
On Oct. 28, a 32-year-old man was arrested in connection to the investigation, on Aboujagane Road. After the arrest, police carried out three search warrants in the Haute-Aboujagane and Grand Barachois areas.
The RCMP say officers seized nearly five kilograms of fentanyl in these searches. They also allegedly seized significant quantities of cocaine, shady 8 pills, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, and hydromorphone pills.
Drug production equipment and trafficking paraphernalia were seized, police say, alongside numerous weapons. RCMP listed four non-restricted firearms, three prohibited firearms, two restricted firearms, a crossbow and various ammunition.
Investigators also seized several vehicles and stolen items, including a generator, police allege.
In that investigation, another four people were arrested, including a 34-year-old man, a 25-year-old woman, and a second 32-year-old man from Haute-Aboujagane, and a 55-year-old man from Grand Barachois.
Four of the five people arrested were released on conditions and are all set to appear in court Jan. 6.
However, Gilles Vienneau-Gallant already appeared in court on Oct. 29, when he was charged with unauthorized possession of firearms, and then again on Nov. 1, when another eight charges were added.
Vienneau-Gallant is now facing nine charges relating to drug possession and trafficking, firearms and production of a drug.
Sgt. Jeff Johnston with the New Brunswick RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Unit said in release the agency believes “these arrests and seizures have dismantled a drug production site in the province,” in the release.
Police said the investigation continues.