A joint forces operation of various law enforcement agencies in southwestern New Brunswick and the State of Maine codenamed "Jerrican" has led to the seizure of improvised explosive devices, illegal firearms, drugs, child pornography, cash and a number of other items as part of a massive operation in southwestern New Brunswick targeting organized crime.
Search warrants were executed at seven residences in St. Stephen, two in Mayfield, N.B., one in Mohannes, N.B. and two in the City of Saint John. 33 people have been arrested, 23 males and 10 females ranging in age from 15 to 60. This included two youths. Several offences under the Criminal Code are being considered against members of this organized crime group. These offences include but are not limited to importation of weapons, drug related offences, and possession of child pornography. The investigation is ongoing with charges to be laid at a later date.
The operation began in September 2007 as an investigation into the illegal importation of firearms in the St. Stephen, New Brunswick area. The investigation led police to a significant amount of other illegal activity.
"This is a major blow to organized crime in southwestern New Brunswick," said Staff Sergeant Mitch MacMillan of the RCMP's Custom and Excise Section. "That is part of the RCMP's ongoing crime reduction strategy. We're targeting the people we suspect to be prolific offenders who are causing the most harm to their communities. The vast majority of crime is committed by a small minority of the population. By targeting those people, crime goes down significantly."
The operation was a joint effort between several RCMP districts and RCMP Federal units in New Brunswick along with the Canada Border Services Agency, Saint John City Police Force, Rothesay Regional Police Force, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
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Sgt. Derek Strong
RCMP New Brunswick Media Relations Officer
506-452-4252
