MONTRÉAL, May 19, 2009 - Early this morning, the investigators of the Aboriginal Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (A-CFSEU) dismantled a criminal organization suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and production activity in Kanesatake. Eight marihuana grow operations, several firearms and heavy equipment were found on location.
Project CERRO, a major investigation initiated nearly a year ago, has led more than 300 police officers to the Kanesatake territory. Thirteen locations have been searched, and 16 persons arrested. The investigation could lead to further arrests. The suspects arrested as part of this project could be charged with drug production and trafficking offences under sections 7(1) and 5 (2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Gary Gabriel, Jason Gabriel, Barry Simon and Vincent Daoust, who are known in the Kanesatake region, were wanted on arrest warrants for various offences against the person. They have all been arrested, except for Jason Gabriel, who is still at large.
The A-CFSEU partners, namely the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Sûreté du Québec and the First Nations Police, have been working closely throughout this investigation. This partnership has proved essential in their efforts to combat Aboriginal-based organized crime.
The A-CFSEU Fights Crime in Aboriginal communities
In 2004, the RCMP established the Aboriginal Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (A-CFSEU) to lead a high-level fight against criminal organizations operating on Quebec's Aboriginal territories. The goal of the A-CFSEU is to investigate, prosecute and dismantle criminal organizations that are detrimental to the interests of Aboriginal communities. The A-CFSEU relies on the support of First Nations to achieve this goal.
Criminal organizations involved in drug production have a negative impact on Aboriginal communities as this encourages violence and intimidation. The activities of these organizations pose a direct threat to the well-being of Aboriginal communities and the entire population of Québec and Canada.
This is why the A-CFSEU supports current enforcement efforts by promoting the development of initiatives aimed at reducing crime, thus helping First Nations police officers make Aboriginal communities safer.
Marihuana grow operations have been linked to organized crime and associated criminal activity and violence. Consequently, the police will continue to fully enforce the laws against marihuana production, importation, exportation, trafficking and possession. The law enforcement partners are committed to working together in joint regional operations to combat the cultivation of cannabis within Canada.
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For Information:
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